Doctorate

🔎 Do you want to not only collaborate on innovations, but also develop them further on a scientific basis?

🎓 Would you like to combine high-tech research with academic excellence?

💎 Are you interested in taking responsibility for your own topic?

Then a doctorate at Fraunhofer ILT is exactly the right next step for you.

With us, not only will you benefit from your doctoral studies—the institute will also grow with your results. Your research will flow directly into our projects, strategies, and technological developments. We stand for high quality standards, scientific excellence, and genuine practical relevance.

🔬 Cooperation with RWTH Aachen University
The doctoral program is usually run by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University – always in cooperation with the Chair of Laser Technology (LLT) or the Chair of Optical Systems Technology (TOS). It is possible to enroll as a doctoral student at RWTH, including student benefits.

👩‍🔬 Employment at Fraunhofer ILT
In most cases, you will be employed directly by the Fraunhofer ILT as a research assistant. Alternatively, external doctoral programs through our chairs or industrial doctoral programs are also possible.

🎓 Degree
We offer doctoral programs leading to a Dr.-Ing. (Doctor of Engineering) or Dr. rer. nat. (Doctor of Science) degree.

📌 Topic selection
Your doctoral thesis topic will either be specified in a job advertisement or developed together with your professor and department.

💶 Remuneration
You will be employed full-time as a research assistant in accordance with TVöD (EG 12/13). The doctoral program itself is not remunerated separately; it is carried out as part of your work. We will make time for you to work on your dissertation as far as possible. It is possible to be employed as a research assistant without a doctoral degree (see Direct Entry). However, an interest in pursuing a doctoral degree is very welcome. 

📗 Center for Doctoral Studies (CDS)
The CDS is part of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University. All doctoral students participate in the program and can earn a doctoral supplement with additional interdisciplinary qualifications. The structured process is defined in the CDS process.

📝 1. Application
Either apply for an open position (Fraunhofer ILT career page, LLT, or TOS) or contact the professor or staff directly.

⏳ 2. Duration of the doctoral program
Standard period of study: approx. 12 semesters. In practice, it often takes longer because project work is carried out in parallel.

📚 3. Faculty process
The formal procedure is handled by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University. Detailed information can be found on the faculty's website.

When pursuing a doctorate at Fraunhofer ILT, you will receive excellent technical and administrative support.

👨‍🏫 Doctoral supervisor / primary reviewer

Each doctorate has two reviewers: one internal and one external RWTH professor with no connection to the Fraunhofer ILT.

The following individuals are available internally:

• Prof. Constantin Häfner (LLT)
• Prof. Carlo Holly (TOS)
• Prof. Arnold Gillner

🤝 Internal supervision at Fraunhofer ILT
Usually a competence field manager, group leader, or senior engineer at the chair. They will support you with planning, structure, and scientific development.

📂 Coordination
A coordinator—usually from office management—will support you with administrative processes.

We value scientific depth and methodological quality. We ensure this as follows:

✔ Participation in the doctoral seminar (LLT/TOS) – at least two presentations (15 min. initial presentation, 45 min. final presentation)

✔ Participation in the Fraunhofer ILT project management seminar – mandatory for all research assistants

✔ At least two first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals

✔ Additional courses to fulfill admission requirements, if necessary

✔ In individual cases, special reports (e.g., for degrees in unrelated fields)

✔ The doctorate is completed in the traditional manner with a doctoral lecture (related in content but not identical to the doctoral thesis topic) and an oral examination