Hi everyone,

I’ll be starting my MSc in Cognitive Science at the University of Osnabrück in Winter Semester 2026/27. I have 3 years of experience as an ML Engineer, with hands-on work in AWS, LLMs, and Generative AI. I’m planning to pursue a PhD afterward, so I’m particularly interested in research-oriented part-time positions.

I’m looking for advice on the following:

1. HiWi Positions (Research Assistant)

I’m especially interested in working with labs related to AI, Neuroscience, and LLMs/Generative AI. Some labs I’ve come across are:

• Tim Kietzmann Lab
• Gordon Pipa’s group
• NLP & Linguistic Data Science related groups

Questions:

• How realistic is it to get a HiWi position as an incoming Master’s student with my background?
• What’s the best way to approach professors? Should I email them before arriving in Germany or after reaching Osnabrück?
• Do most HiWi positions require German language skills, or is English sufficient in AI/Neuroscience labs?
• Any current students working in these labs who can share their experience?

2. Language Requirements

Since I only speak English, I want to understand the reality:

• How much German is actually needed for HiWi positions in technical/research roles?
• Are there professors who are comfortable working entirely in English?

3. ML Engineering / Tech Part-time Jobs

Apart from HiWi, I’m also open to:

• Part-time ML Engineer / AI Engineer roles (remote or in/around Osnabrück)
• AI-related freelance or contract work
• Any other tech jobs that international students usually do

Are there companies in or near Osnabrück (or remote opportunities) that hire students for ML/GenAI work? How competitive are these roles for non-EU students?

4. Other Survival Jobs (Minijob)

If HiWi positions are difficult to get immediately, what are some realistic Minijob options that students usually take in Osnabrück? I’ve heard about warehouse jobs, delivery, tutoring, etc., but I’d like to know what’s actually doable with limited German.

5. General Advice

• As someone aiming for a PhD later, how important is it to get a HiWi position during the Master’s?
• Any tips on building connections with professors early on?

I’d really appreciate any insights from current or former students at Uni Osnabrück, especially those in Cognitive Science, AI, or Neuroscience programs. Also open to hearing from international students who managed to find research or tech-related part-time work with limited German.

Thanks in advance!