Psychiatric diagnostics is based on categorical systems like ICD-11 and DSM-5, even though two decades of research show that mental disorders vary on continuous spectra – not as discrete categories. Subclinical burdens remain undetected and comorbidities are systematically under-captured. The HiTOP model (Kotov et al., 2017) offers a scientifically grounded dimensional alternative, but fails in routine care due to the time burden of structured assessments.
We are building an AI-supported diagnostic system for psychotherapy and psychiatry. The goal is to automatically turn therapy conversations into dimensional HiTOP profiles, ICD-11 diagnosis probabilities, ecomaps and session notes. On top of this, progress diagnostics and reporting features are unified in an integrated patient dashboard.
The project is based at Ravensburg-Weingarten University (RWU) and is expected to be funded by the EXIST founders' scholarship.
As Technical Lead you'll join an aligned team of scientific and practical expertise.
Tim Luca Göbel
Strategy & operations
Finn Elijah Burkhardt
Statistics, diagnostics & test theory
Prof. Dr. Anna-Sophia Schwind
Clinical expertise & research
You?
Technical Lead
- Transfer the existing prototype into a robust, scalable and long-term maintainable software architecture
- Design and implement a structure for LLM- and machine-learning-based psychological diagnostics
- Own decisions on tech stack, frameworks and tools – from frontend through backend to infrastructure
- Implementation aligned with German health data protection standards
- Set up and operate server infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines (full DevOps ownership)
- Actively shape product vision, technical roadmap and company strategy
Technical
- ▸Knowledge of AI, machine learning and natural language processing
- ▸Solid full-stack skills (frontend and backend)
- ▸Experience with server architecture, cloud hosting and DevOps processes
- ▸Awareness of data protection and confident handling of highly sensitive data categories
- ▸Completed studies in computer science or a comparable field (Master/PhD preferred); degree < 5 years (EXIST requirement)
Personal
- ▸Self-directed, structured work even without detailed specifications
- ▸Sensitivity to health data protection and awareness of the impact of clinical software errors
- ▸Joy in interdisciplinary, science-driven collaboration
- ▸Pioneering spirit and willingness to take responsibility beyond your own discipline
- ▸English or German as team language; basic skills in both languages desirable
€2,500–3,000
monthly · 12 months
Guaranteed via EXIST – €2,500 (Bachelor/Master), €3,000 (PhD).
Co-founder
Equity option
Equity participation upon mutual interest.
Tech ownership
Stack & architecture
Stack, architecture and tools are in your hands.
Materials
& coaching
Additional budgets via EXIST funding.
Clinical network
Research & practice
Embedded in our research and clinic network and cooperation partners.
Real impact
Quality of care
Your software directly improves the quality of psychotherapeutic care.
The planned funding start, and therefore employment, is 1 February 2027. Initial conversations, getting to know each other and informal onboarding are of course possible earlier – earlier collaboration in the team is also welcome. EXIST funding requires a valid university affiliation or a degree completed no more than five years ago. The workplace is the RWU environment in Weingarten; hybrid work is possible.
We appreciate uncomplicated applications. Send us your CV or a link to your GitHub portfolio – feel free to add a short note about what attracts you to this project. Long cover letters are not required.
Sounds like you?
Send us your CV or your GitHub profile – simply by email. We'll get back to you quickly.