Research Associate – Test Architect for Audio Codec Certification (all genders)

Our group »Embedded Audio Systems« develops, among other things, device-level test procedures for the MPEG-H 3D Audio codec, which enables immersive 3D sound and interactivity. To ensure full functionality and interoperability in commercial devices, we established the MPEG-H trademark program with extensive test suites covering test signals, test procedures, and test equipment – including testing device interaction via HDMI, ARC, and eARC, as well as audio-video synchronization. In this role, you'll combine scientific work with practical system expertise while directly influencing international industrial products.

• Shaping the User Experience: Develop tests that have a significant impact on the user experience of end devices by ensuring the interoperability and quality of modern audio features.
• Maintaining and Expanding Excellence: Take ownership of the MPEG-H 3D Audio Trademark Program by developing a broad understanding of the codec and creating a comprehensive test suite that allows our partners' implementations of the audio codec to be verified and certified.
• Optimizing and Evolving: Extend, optimize, and maintain the existing test suite to ensure our certification standards remain at the cutting edge of audio technology.
• Go-To Expert: Serve as the key contact for the trademark program, both internally and externally, bridging technical excellence with partner collaboration.

• An exciting role: Attractive working environment at a global market leader of a major innovative industry
• Inspiring culture: Friendly and supportive working atmosphere within our international team
• Room for creativity: Projects with strong practical components motivate our employees to drive innovation.
• We value personal contact: Structured onboarding process enabling quick familiarization with our institute and successful expansion of your professional network
• We take your needs seriously: Work-life balance support through flexible working hours and hybrid work
• Top of the line infrastructure at your workplace: State-of-the-art technologies to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow
• Your goals and interests are important to us: Ongoing professional and personal seminars, coaching, and language classes.
• We offer equal opportunities: For example, the »Fraunhofer TALENTA« career program for female scientists
• Complementary parking spaces, charging stations for electric cars, covered bicycle parking, and showers at the institute
• In-house health management including sports courses, running groups, and relaxation seminars.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. The position can also be filled part-time, but as close to full-time as possible. The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of extension. Appointment, remuneration, and social security benefits are based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).

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.

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.