PhD Student Agentic AI - Automation Work Processes (f/m/d)

Work environment

In our Generative AI department, you will work at the forefront of technological innovation and actively contribute to shaping the future of production at Volkswagen. We continuously identify the latest developments in generative AI, evaluate their industrial applicability, and prioritize their strategic relevance. Our goal is to transform emerging AI methods – particularly Agentic AI – into robust and scalable series applications for production and logistics. We develop and implement the Generative AI strategy for the Production division, ensure transparency regarding technological advancements, connect interdisciplinary stakeholders, and drive the integration of AI solutions across plants and central departments. You will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environment where you contribute to pioneering research topics and help advance autonomous AI systems within Volkswagen’s production landscape.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Conducting doctoral research and writing a dissertation in the field of Agentic AI for the automation of complex knowledge work
• Identifying relevant application areas for autonomous AI systems in both direct and indirect production environments
• Analysing and evaluating key technologies such as Reinforcement Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Multi Agent Systems
• Developing concepts, methodological frameworks, and governance principles for defining appropriate autonomy levels, ensuring safe, organizationally aligned, and ethically compliant use of Agentic AI
• Designing and validating a comprehensive concept for AI supported process automation, including practical testing, scalability assessment, and collaboration with interdisciplinary project teams

 

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate.

Qualification requirements

• Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in one of the following fields: Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Information Systems, Engineering Sciences, or related disciplines
• Solid knowledge in at least one of the following areas: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Natural Language Processing, Large Language Models, or Agent Based Systems
• Experience with Python or comparable programming languages
• English language level C1, German language level B2
• A structured, independent, and scientifically rigorous working style
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration within an industrial research environment
• Willingness to publish scientific results and pursue a doctorate in cooperation with an academic partner

Keywords

Digital Transformation, Industrial AI, Multi‑Agent Systems, AI Workflow, Human‑AI Collaboration, Cognitive AI, Knowledge Automation, Reasoning Algorithms, Decision Automation, Planning Algorithms

What we offer

• Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
• 35-hour week, flexible working hours, remote work
• Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
• Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
• Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group

Contact person for this posting: Fabian Wenzel