Job
ALERT - Embedded Hardware HiWi (Research Assistant)
ALERT (Allergy Event Recognition and Tracking) investigates how subtle allergy-related reactions can be detected automatically using ear-worn sensors and contextualised with personal environmental exposure data. The project combines wearable sensing, mobile data collection, and machine learning to support objective, everyday allergy tracking.
Overview
You will help us develop a compact environmental sensing device integrated into wearable accessories. The goal is to combine miniaturised particulate matter and environmental sensors, Bluetooth communication, and battery-powered electronics in a form factor that can be worn comfortably in everyday life.
Your can dive into the full hardware-development process: from component selection and schematic design to PCB layout, assembly, firmware integration, and debugging. You will work with current sensors and ICs, including particulate matter sensing, BLE microcontrollers, environmental sensors, and low-power electronics.
We are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible. Please note that the KIT hiring process usually takes one to two months, so the actual start date will likely be one to two months after the job offer.
Profile
You should:
- be fluent in either English or German
- be highly organised and structured in your work
- have experience designing PCBs
- have soldered components on small PCBs
- have experience debugging hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, or similar equipment
- be comfortable reading datasheets and selecting electronic components
- be able to come to TECO regularly to assemble, test, and debug hardware
It would be great if you:
- have experience with KiCad, Altium Designer, or a comparable EDA tool
- have experience with embedded firmware in C or C++
- have worked with nRF52-based BLE microcontrollers
- have experience with I²C, SPI, LiPo batteries, and power-management circuits
- have worked with PCB manufacturers such as JLCPCB
- are interested in wearables, sensor systems, and embedded machine learning
- plan to stay at KIT for several more years, as we are ideally looking for a long-term HiWi
What we offer
- flexible working hours
- the opportunity to build a complete wearable sensing system from the ground up
- access to a well-equipped hardware lab with professional soldering, reflow, measurement, and prototyping equipment
- hands-on experience with cutting-edge sensors and embedded systems
- close collaboration with researchers in wearable computing, environmental sensing, and machine learning
- the possibility to contribute to scientific publications and future research prototypes
Details
Please send a short email explaining why you think you would be a good fit for the position. You are very welcome to attach pictures, GitHub links, PCB screenshots, or brief descriptions of previous hardware projects. No formal cover letter is required.
Please also attach your transcript of records and let us know how long you would be available to work with us.
