Werkstudent (m/w/d) UX/UI & Visual Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Werkstudent (m/w/d) UX/UI & Visual Design

Company: August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut

Location: Saarbrücken, Saarland, Germany & Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Lower Saxony, Germany

Job Type: Werkstudierende (Student Worker)

Category: UX/UI & Visual Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-14

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on bridging the gap between complex research/technology and user-centric digital applications, requiring a strong foundation in UX/UI and Visual Design principles.

• The position involves building and maintaining an institute-wide design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across digital products.

• Key responsibilities include developing interactive prototypes to visualize research findings and collaborating within interdisciplinary teams on cutting-edge 3D projects like Digital Twins and Serious Games.

• As a student worker, you will gain practical experience in a research-oriented environment, contributing to the digital transformation initiatives of the August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a "Werkstudent" (student worker) in Germany, implying a part-time position (typically 10-20 hours/week) aligned with a university curriculum. The focus on UX/UI, Visual Design, and prototyping within a research institute suggests a strong emphasis on translating complex technical concepts into accessible user experiences, rather than purely commercial product design. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a need for on-site presence in either Saarbrücken or Clausthal-Zellerfeld, with flexibility for remote work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate complex research findings and emerging technologies into intuitive, user-centered digital applications and interfaces.

• Develop and maintain an institute-wide design system, ensuring brand consistency, usability, and scalability for all digital products.

• Create interactive prototypes to effectively visualize and communicate research outcomes and technological advancements to diverse stakeholders.

• Contribute to the design and development of 3D projects, including Digital Twins and Serious Games, focusing on user engagement and immersive experiences.

• Actively participate in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with researchers, designers, and developers to achieve project goals and drive innovation.

• Apply foundational knowledge of UX principles, UI design, typography, and layout to create aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective digital interfaces.

• Conduct user research and gather feedback to inform design decisions and iteratively improve digital product usability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design execution, system thinking, and collaborative project work. For a student role, the emphasis is on contributing to these areas under guidance, rather than leading them independently. The mention of "Serious Games" and "Digital Twins" suggests an innovative application of design skills in specialized technological domains.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Virtual Design, Communication Design, Media Design, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

• A strong academic record demonstrating foundational knowledge in design principles and digital technologies. Experience:

• Entry-level to 2 years of experience, ideally gained through internships, academic projects, or personal portfolio work.

• Demonstrated ability to apply design thinking and user-centered design methodologies to solve problems. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms.

• Fundamental understanding of User Experience (UX) design principles, including user research, wireframing, and usability testing.

• Solid grasp of User Interface (UI) design principles, focusing on visual hierarchy, layout, and interaction design.

• Knowledge of typography, color theory, and visual design best practices to create engaging and coherent visual aesthetics.

• Ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible design elements and interactive prototypes.

• Basic understanding of user guidance and information architecture within digital products. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with building or contributing to design systems.

• Familiarity with 3D design software or concepts related to Digital Twins or game development.

• Exposure to user research methodologies and the ability to interpret user feedback.

• Understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS) to better collaborate with developers.

• Experience with motion design or animation for prototyping and user interface enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize practical tool proficiency and foundational design knowledge. The preferred skills point towards areas where a candidate can stand out and demonstrate potential for growth within the institute's specialized projects. The "0-2 years" experience level indicates that extensive professional experience is not expected, but a demonstrable passion and aptitude for design are crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 distinct projects that demonstrate proficiency in UX/UI and Visual Design.

• Projects should highlight the candidate's ability to translate complex requirements into user-friendly interfaces.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs.

• Showcase an understanding of design principles such as layout, typography, and color theory.

• Demonstrate experience with design tools like Figma or similar, showcasing the design process from concept to execution. Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, clearly articulate the design process followed, including problem definition, user research (if applicable), ideation, prototyping, and iteration.

• Document the rationale behind key design decisions, explaining how they address user needs and project objectives.

• Provide insights into challenges encountered during the design process and how they were overcome.

• Illustrate the use of design systems or style guides where applicable, or explain how a consistent visual language was established.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical skills and potential. The emphasis is on showcasing the process and thinking behind the designs, not just the final polished output. The August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut's research focus suggests that projects demonstrating an ability to simplify complex information will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a "Werkstudent" in Germany, the compensation is typically an hourly wage. Based on industry standards for student workers in design and technology roles in Germany, particularly in research institutions, an estimated range would be €12.00 - €16.00 per hour. This range can vary based on the specific university major, the relevance of the skills, and the exact number of hours worked per week. Benefits:

• Job Ticket: Subsidized public transportation pass for commuting to the institute.

• Corporate Benefits: Access to discounted offers from various partner companies.

• Urban Sports Club: Membership providing access to a wide range of fitness and sports facilities.

• Fruit Baskets: Two fruit baskets per week, promoting employee well-being.

• Flexible Working Hours: Ability to adjust working hours to accommodate academic schedules and personal productivity peaks.

• Mobile Work: Opportunity to work remotely on certain days, offering flexibility in work location.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, typical for a "Werkstudent," usually ranging from 10 to 20 hours per week, depending on academic workload and project needs. The exact schedule will be discussed and agreed upon to ensure alignment with academic commitments and operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical German "Werkstudent" rates for roles requiring specialized skills in design and technology. The benefits are directly sourced from the provided job description and are typical for companies in Germany aiming to attract and retain student talent. The emphasis on flexibility is a key selling point for students balancing work and study.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• The August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut operates at the intersection of Information Technology Research, Digital Transformation, and Applied Technology Development. They focus on developing innovative digital solutions and business models, bringing research into practical application. This means the work environment is intellectually stimulating, research-driven, and forward-thinking, with a strong emphasis on technological advancement and its societal impact. Company Size:

• While exact numbers aren't provided, the mention of an "institute" and "interdisciplinary teams" suggests a medium-sized organization with specialized departments. This size often fosters a collaborative yet structured environment, offering opportunities for direct interaction with various experts and a clear understanding of how individual contributions impact the institute's goals. Founded:

• The company was founded with a vision to bridge the gap between research and practical application ("Wir bringen Forschung auf die Straße"). This founding principle continues to shape its culture, emphasizing innovation, practicality, and a forward-looking approach to digital solutions. Team Structure:

• The operations team, within which this role sits, is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature. You'll be part of a group comprising researchers, designers, and developers.

• Reporting structures are likely project-based, with potential for direct reporting to a project lead or a senior designer/researcher.

• Collaboration is key, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork to translate complex research into tangible digital products. Methodology:

• The institute likely employs agile methodologies combined with research-driven approaches. This includes:

  • Data Analysis and Insights: Utilizing research data to inform design decisions and validate technological concepts.
  • Workflow Planning and Optimization: Designing efficient processes for research translation and product development.
  • Automation and Efficiency Practices: Exploring how digital tools and technologies can streamline research dissemination and application development.

Company Website: https://www.aws-institut.de/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to connect research with application ("Wir bringen Forschung auf die Straße") is central to its culture. This implies a focus on impact, innovation, and practical problem-solving, which should be reflected in how candidates present themselves and their work. The interdisciplinary nature of the teams is a significant aspect for collaboration and learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as an Entry-Level Student Worker (Werkstudent). It's designed for individuals currently pursuing higher education who are looking to gain practical, hands-on experience in UX/UI and Visual Design within a research and development context. The scope of responsibilities is focused on contributing to specific project tasks under guidance, rather than independent strategic planning. Reporting Structure:

• You will likely report to a senior designer, a project manager, or a lead researcher who oversees digital product development. This structure provides mentorship and clear direction for your tasks. Operations Impact:

• While not a traditional revenue-generating role, your impact will be significant in enabling the effective communication and adoption of complex research and technologies. By creating user-friendly interfaces and prototypes, you will directly contribute to the success of research projects, making them more accessible to potential users, partners, and the public. Your work helps to showcase the institute's innovation and its potential for real-world impact. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen your expertise in UX/UI design, visual design, prototyping, and design systems through practical application on diverse projects.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working with cutting-edge technologies like Digital Twins and Serious Games within a leading research institute.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Develop strong teamwork and communication skills by working alongside researchers, developers, and other designers.

• Networking: Build professional connections within the German tech and research landscape.

• Potential for Future Roles: A successful internship can serve as a strong reference and potential pathway to future full-time positions within the institute or the broader tech/research sector upon graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around skill development and practical experience, which are highly valuable for students. The "impact" is defined in terms of enabling research dissemination and technological adoption, aligning with the institute's mission.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut offers a Hybrid Work Environment. This means you will have the opportunity to work both on-site at their campuses in Saarbrücken or Clausthal-Zellerfeld and remotely. This model aims to balance the benefits of collaborative in-person work with the flexibility of remote setups. Office Location(s):

• The position is available at two locations:

  • Saarbrücken: Campus D 5 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Saarland, Germany.
  • Clausthal-Zellerfeld: Agricolastraße 8, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Lower Saxony, Germany.

• Candidates are expected to be able to work from one of these locations, with the hybrid model allowing for some remote work. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among interdisciplinary teams. Expect opportunities for brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and knowledge sharing with researchers and developers.

• Operations Tools and Technology: You will have access to standard design software (like Figma) and potentially specialized tools relevant to 3D projects or research visualization. The institute is committed to providing the necessary technological resources.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for structured in-person interaction for team meetings, project discussions, and hands-on design work, complemented by digital communication tools for remote collaboration.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is flexible, a key benefit for student workers. You can arrange your working hours to align with your academic commitments, typically between 10-20 hours per week. This flexibility is crucial for managing a demanding course load while gaining professional experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role and the dual location options are key features. Candidates should consider which location is more feasible for them and be prepared for a work style that blends in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call or video interview to assess basic qualifications, understanding of the role, and interest in the institute.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: This is a crucial stage where you will present your portfolio. Expect to discuss your design process, rationale behind your choices, and how you've tackled design challenges. You might be asked to elaborate on specific projects and how they align with the institute's research focus.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members (researchers, designers, developers) to assess collaboration potential and cultural alignment. Questions may focus on your approach to teamwork, problem-solving, and handling feedback.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or department head to discuss the role in more detail, expectations, and confirm mutual fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX/UI and Visual Design skills, especially those relevant to translating complex information or research.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your process, your role, the tools used, and the outcome/impact. Use visuals effectively to guide the reviewer.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design thinking, user research (even if academic), wireframing, prototyping, and iterative improvements. The "why" behind your design choices is as important as the "what."

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate which design tools you used (e.g., Figma) and demonstrate your comfort level.

• Tailor to the Institute: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an interest in or ability to work with technology, research, or complex systems. Mention how your skills can benefit the August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut's mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design exercises, which might involve:

  • A small UI design task based on a given research concept.
  • A critique of an existing interface and suggestions for improvement.
  • A conceptual exercise on how to visualize a specific piece of research.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, design thinking, and ability to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is central to this application. Candidates should prepare to "walk through" their projects, explaining their design process and decisions in detail. Emphasizing the ability to handle complex information will be key for this research-oriented institute.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required tool. Expect to use it for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and potentially design system components.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): Likely used for visual asset creation, image editing, and more advanced graphic design tasks.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, the institute might use specialized prototyping tools for more complex interactions or specific research visualizations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, understanding how design impacts user behavior might involve exposure to:
  • User Analytics Platforms: Tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Hotjar to understand user interaction with digital products.
  • A/B Testing Tools: For validating design hypotheses and optimizing user flows.

CRM & Automation:

• Less directly relevant to the core design tasks, but awareness of how design integrates with broader business processes might be beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for task tracking and collaboration within teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a must. The other tools represent a broader tech stack that a candidate might encounter or benefit from having awareness of, particularly in a research and development setting where innovation is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A strong emphasis on developing "technologies of tomorrow" and being at the forefront of digital transformation. This means embracing new ideas and experimenting with novel solutions.

• Impact & Practicality: A core value is "bringing research onto the street" – ensuring that innovations are not just theoretical but have practical applications and real-world impact.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The institute fosters a spirit of "Teamspirit? Check!" where motivated colleagues work together to find the best solutions, emphasizing mutual support and collective success.

• Personal & Professional Growth: They value individual development, offering space for personal growth and providing support for employees to "unfold their potential."

• Openness to Ideas: A culture that actively encourages new ideas and discourages a "we've always done it this way" mentality, providing room for "visions to become real successes."

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: Expect to work closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds (research, design, development). This requires clear communication and an ability to understand different perspectives.

• Feedback-Oriented: The culture encourages open dialogue and constructive feedback to continuously improve designs and projects.

• Agile & Iterative: Projects likely move through iterative cycles, involving frequent reviews and adjustments based on feedback and new insights.

• Knowledge Sharing: A collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to share knowledge and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values are strongly tied to innovation, practical impact, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and work style align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: A primary challenge will be to translate highly technical or abstract research concepts into understandable and engaging digital experiences for diverse audiences.

• Balancing Research & Design: Navigating the demands of a research-driven environment while adhering to design best practices and user needs can be challenging.

• Interdisciplinary Communication: Effectively communicating design ideas and user needs to a team with backgrounds in science and engineering requires strong articulation skills.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with emerging design tools, technologies, and research advancements in a fast-paced innovation hub.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Gain hands-on experience with advanced design tools and methodologies relevant to research visualization and interactive product development.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Develop a deep understanding of the research areas and technological domains the institute focuses on (e.g., GreenTech, Smart Processes, Digital Twins).

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhance your ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and developers, understanding their workflows and technical constraints.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with unique projects that can significantly boost your career prospects in the design and tech industry.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced professionals within the institute, potentially leading to valuable insights and career advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to the role and the institute's unique mission. Framing these challenges as opportunities for learning and skill development will be key for candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: "Describe a complex project from your portfolio. What was the problem, what was your approach, what were the key design decisions, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare to detail your UX/UI process, rationale, and any iterations).

• Translating Concepts: "How would you approach visualizing a complex scientific concept or research finding for a non-technical audience?" (Focus on your ability to simplify information and use appropriate visual metaphors).

• Tool Proficiency & Workflow: "How do you leverage tools like Figma to create efficient workflows and high-fidelity prototypes?" (Be ready to discuss your specific techniques and best practices).

• Collaboration & Feedback: "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design. How did you handle it, and what changes did you make?" (Highlight your openness to feedback and iterative design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working at the August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut, and what excites you about our mission to bring research to application?" (Research the institute's recent projects and align your interests).

• Teamwork: "How do you collaborate with individuals from different professional backgrounds, such as researchers or developers?" (Emphasize your communication skills and adaptability).

• Innovation: "What are your thoughts on the future of digital transformation, and how do you see design playing a role in it?" (Showcase your awareness of industry trends).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction to the project, the problem/goal, your role, your process (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, visual design), key decisions and rationale, challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals – screenshots, mockups, interactive prototype demos. Ensure clarity and readability.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives. Explain the "why" behind your design choices and how they addressed user needs or project objectives.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure you cover the key points effectively without rushing. Be prepared to answer questions in detail.

• Enthusiasm: Show genuine passion for design and the institute's work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just their technical design skills but also their understanding of the research context and their ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team. The interview process will likely probe their problem-solving approach and their fit with the institute's innovative culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut's career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your skills in UX/UI design, visual design, and prototyping, with a focus on translating complex information or research into user-friendly interfaces.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists relevant design tools (especially Figma), academic background, any relevant project experience (academic or internship), and your current student status. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and problem-solving approach. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and research the August-Wilhelm Scheer Institut's current projects and research areas.

• Company Research: Understand the institute's mission, values, and the specific context of digital transformation and research application. Be prepared to explain why you are a good fit for their innovative and collaborative culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.