Research Assistant

About the Project – QUICast
QUICast is a research and development project that explores a new paradigm for scalable live video delivery by combining IP multicast with modern transport protocols such as QUIC. The goal is to significantly improve the efficiency and scalability of large-scale live streaming compared to traditional unicast-based approaches.

The project is funded within the xG-Incubator program and runs for an initial 12-month development phase, during which a functional demonstrator will be implemented and evaluated in a real-world environment.

QUICast brings together expertise in network protocols, distributed systems, video streaming, and client applications. If the project is successful, a startup spin-off is planned in a second phase to further develop and deploy the technology.

We are building a small, highly technical team to design and implement the core components of this system.

The work builds on the IETF Internet-Draft “QUIC Multicast”, co-authored within the project, and aims to develop a prototype implementation and experimental evaluation.

The position is initially limited until 31/05/2027; if the project successfully leads to a startup spin-off, there will be if necessary an opportunity to continue working on the technology within the new company.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a Client Application Engineer who will focus on developing the client-side application for receiving and playing QUICast streams.

The application will implement the QUIC multicast transport mechanisms, integrate the video playback pipeline, and provide a user-facing interface for accessing live streams.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and implementing a client-side application for receiving QUIC multicast streams
• Implementing video playback integration based on the streaming pipeline developed by the video engineering team
• Implementing multicast reception, unicast fallback, and stream management mechanisms
• Implementing integrity verification and data validation
• Ensuring low startup latency and smooth playback performance
• Designing the application to support multiple device types and operating systems
• Collaborating closely with backend and video engineers to integrate the full system
• Preparing the application for deployment to common distribution platforms such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

Expected Outcomes After One Year
At the end of the first project phase, the client application should achieve the following milestones:

• A fully functional application capable of receiving and playing multicast-delivered live video streams
• Support for unicast fallback, integrity validation, and stream management
• Startup time below 2 seconds for unicast playback
• Startup time below 4 seconds for multicast playback
• Deployment of the application on common user platforms, for example through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
• Support for multiple client device types, such as smartphones and laptops

• Successfully completed univrsity degree (Master, Diplom or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Business Informatics, or a related field
• Experience with application development, preferably for mobile or cross-platform environments
• Familiarity with network-based applications or streaming systems
• Basic understanding of networking concepts, particularly:

1. Transport protocols
2. QUIC
3. IP multicast

• Experience with measuring energy consumption and power quality
• Experience integrating media playback frameworks
• Ability to work independently in a small, focused development team desirable
• Interest in developing novel networking and media delivery systems desirable
• Good knowledge of German and/or English required; willingness to acquire the respective missing language skills
• Experience with iOS or Android development desirable
• Experience with cross-platform frameworks (e.g., Flutter, React Native, or similar) desirable
• Experience integrating video playback frameworks desirable
• Familiarity with low-level networking APIs desirable
• Experience deploying applications to mobile app stores desirable

• Opportunity to work on next-generation live streaming technology
• The chance to shape a potential startup product from the ground up
• A small, highly technical team with strong research and engineering focus
• Participation in the development of a real-world demonstrator system

Please send your application, including the reference number and the usual supporting documents, by email to m.franke@tu-berlin.de.

By submitting your application via email you consent to having your data electronically processed and saved. Please note that we do not provide a guaranty for the protection of your personal data when submitted as unprotected file. Please find our data protection notice acc. DSGVO (General Data Protection Regulation) at the TU staff department homepage: https://www.abt2-t.tu-berlin.de/menue/themen_a_z/datenschutzerklaerung/.

To ensure equal opportunities between women and men, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly desired. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored. The TU Berlin values the diversity of its members and is committed to the goals of equal opportunities. Applications from people of all nationalities and with a migration background are very welcome.