Home / Scholarship / Study in Germany | University of Stuttgart CISPA Software Lab PhD Scholarship 2026

Scholarship

Study in Germany | University of Stuttgart CISPA Software Lab PhD Scholarship 2026

February 5, 2026 7:20 am

Study in Germany | University of Stuttgart CISPA Software Lab PhD Scholarship 2026

A premier opportunity for aspiring computer science researchers has been announced. The CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security and the University of Stuttgart invite applications for a paid PhD research position within the esteemed Software Lab. This role offers a competitive salary and a direct pathway to a doctorate while working on cutting-edge challenges in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Why This Position is a Premier Research Pathway

This opportunity represents a unique fusion of employment and advanced doctoral study at leading German institutions. It provides financial stability through a professional salary, not a standard stipend. Furthermore, CISPA is a globally recognized center for cybersecurity and privacy research. Consequently, PhD candidates gain world-class mentorship, contribute to high-impact projects, and graduate with a prestigious credential that opens doors to top industry and academic roles worldwide.

Comprehensive Position Benefits

Selected candidates receive robust support designed for research success and quality of life:

Competitive Salary: Approximately €4,600 gross per month (according to the German public sector pay scale Bund E13, first year).
Full Employment Contract: A paid position at CISPA Helmholtz Center leading to a doctoral degree from the University of Stuttgart.
Generous Leave Policy: 30 days of paid vacation per year with a standard 40 hour work week.
English Language Environment: The official working language is English; German proficiency is not required.
High Impact Research: Work on projects that have improved major systems like Chrome, Python, and Java.
Strong Career Trajectory: Excellent placement potential with leading tech companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft) and elite universities.
Living in Stuttgart: Reside in one of Germany’s most culturally vibrant and economically prosperous cities.

Focused Research Areas

The Software Lab conducts pioneering work in several critical domains:

AI-powered bug detection and repair using Large Language Model (LLM) agents
Advanced static and dynamic program analysis.
Differential software testing and reliability engineering.
Secure systems development for real-world applications.

Eligibility Criteria

This position seeks motivated candidates with a strong technical foundation. Ideal applicants will:

Hold or be completing a Master’s degree in Computer Science or a closely related field.
Demonstrate a strong passion and creativity for solving complex technical research problems.
Enjoy coding and working with large-scale software systems.
Possess excellent technical reading and writing skills in English.
Be comfortable presenting research at academic conferences.
Show persistence and commitment to a full 4 to 5-year PhD program.
CISPA actively encourages applications from female researchers, applicants with disabilities, and those interested in part-time PhD arrangements.

How to Apply

For full position details and to apply, visit the official Software Lab careers page:

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline

The final deadline to submit your application for this position is February 20, 2026.

Begin Your Application Journey

This PhD role offers an exceptional launchpad for a research career at the intersection of software engineering and security. It is designed for talented graduates ready to tackle meaningful challenges within a supportive, internationally renowned environment.

Start by preparing your application documents, including your CV, academic transcripts, and a statement of research interests. Clearly articulate your technical background and motivation.

Do not miss this chance to embark on a fully funded doctoral journey in one of Europe’s leading research ecosystems. This position rewards technical excellence, innovative thinking, and a collaborative spirit. Prepare a compelling application that showcases your skills and aligns your research aspirations with the lab’s pioneering work. Your path to becoming a leader in software and security research begins with this decisive application.