Darmstadt: Student Assistant for Continuing Education Courses in IT Forensics and AI Security

In the area of expertise ‘IT Forensics’, we research and develop methods for the digital search for evidence in IT systems and on the internet on various specialist topics:

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• Data storage device analysis under Linux and Windows (file systems such as ext[234]/NTFS/FAT)
• Detection of image/video manipulations (e.g., deepfakes) using deep learning classifiers and traditional multimedia forensics
• Robust hash functions for image recognition
• OSINT and crawling, social media and the dark web / cryptocurrencies
• Machine learning for data analysis
• AI security: Attacks on deep learning (classifiers, LLMs) and countermeasures, e.g., against adversarial examples, prompt injection, etc.

To this end, we have developed further training courses in our ‘Fraunhofer Cybersecurity Learning Lab’, featuring lectures, demonstrations and PC-based exercises. ​We need your support to further develop the course material and for our accompanying research!

Be part of change

• Update course materials in terms of topic or create new materials on a predefined topic: presentation slides, screencast videos, WBTs
• To this end, research technical developments and research findings
• Developing PC exercises: Designing them; then assembling tools, exercise data and scripts (e.g., Bash, Python); creating exercise sheets and model solutions; conducting user tests
• Compiling new forensic datasets: researching or creating images, videos and text corpora
• Optimising existing course materials: comprehensibility, (corporate) design, readability
• Testing internal and external forensic tools
• Optional: Implementing compact GUIs for CLI tools, administering our VMs and GPU servers for the delivery of the PC exercises, and jointly supervising the PC exercises during the course

What you contribute

• Student on a STEM degree programme
• Good knowledge of at least one of the above-mentioned specialist topics; interest in familiarising yourself with further specialist topics
• A strong interest in communicating your specialist knowledge in a structured and comprehensible manner
• A talent for graphic design, e.g., for presentation slides, tutorial videos, etc.
• Independent working style, ability to meet deadlines
• Good knowledge of German (at least B2 or equivalent, as the course programme is delivered in German)
• Optional: Teaching experience (e.g., teacher training, tutoring, private tuition)

What we offer

• Interesting, highly varied tasks related to current research topics in digital forensics and AI
• Practical experience through direct or indirect contact with clients (course participants from sectors including corporate security, the police, the media, software development and AI systems)
• Flexible working arrangements at the SIT Institute and from home
• Good compatibility with your studies: flexible working hours, remote working, consideration of important term dates
• Regular coordination and feedback on your tasks
• Friendly team, good equipment (e.g., work laptop)
• Benefits: ‘Corporate Benefit’ discounts at numerous shops, brands, insurance companies, etc.; charging infrastructure for electric cars at the Institute
• Opportunities for dissertations and, where appropriate, subsequent employment as a researcher

You can find out more about our department’s ‘IT Forensics’ area of expertise on our website:

Examples of our professional development courses that you will participate in:

• Disk and RAM forensic: 
• Photo/video forensics: 
• The dark web and cryptocurrencies: 
• Security for LLMs:  

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

Sascha Zmudzinski
Department Media Security and IT Forensics (MSF)
Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT
Rheinstraße 75, 64295 Darmstadt
E‑mail: sascha.zmudzinski@sit.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT

Requisition Number: 83103                Application Deadline: