Research Assistant/PhD student (all genders) at the Institute of Design and Housing

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.

The Institute of Design and Housing (Entwerfen und Wohnen) teaches the principles of housing and construction design in both the Bachelor and Master degree programs through design studios, lectures and advanced seminars. Taking into consideration the social aspect of housing as a result of changes in demographics, employment structures and rising costs, as well as the impact of the building sector on the environment, our students attain valuable insight and depth in the area of housing, in order to enable them to make positive contributions to society through socially impactful research and design.

In the coming years, the focus of the institute's teaching and research includes the following fields:

• Housing reform from the multiple perspectives of land policy and mobility development, of innovative construction techniques and materials, and of the social organisation of dwelling;
• Retrofitting the existing built stock as a way to significantly reduce the CO2 demand of the construction sector and produce contemporary forms of living, with a focus on the postwar housing, former production facilities, and single-family houses;
• Developing innovative typological solutions other than the typical family and single household which are able to meet the demands and aspiration of current demographics.

• Supporting ongoing and future research projects
• Design supervision of student building construction projects in the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs
• Participation in the teaching of the Bachelor and Master degree programs, including tutoring students, holding lectures, organizing seminars and course coordination
• Collaboration in the publication of teaching materials and specific publications projects of the Institute
• Organizational assistance (supervision of students, tutors coordination, presentations, lectures, excursions)

• Completed university science degree (Master / Diploma) in architecture 
• Professional experience
• Experience in teaching design studios and seminars at both Bachelor and Master level
• Ability to present and discuss reference projects in housing
• Familiarity with CAD, graphics and layout software
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Good communication and organizational skills in academic contexts (courses, seminars, field-works, summer schools)
• Strong communication skills in both German and English
• You are interested in research with the aim of incorporating this into a doctorate
• Willingness to participate in academic self-administration

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Annual leave/educational leave – 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme;
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Pension scheme – supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
• University bicycle
• Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career – (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays.

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV - TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Stefanie Becker via email: stefanie.becker@tu-darmstadt.de .

The interviews will take place on September 2, 2025.

In addition to the mandatory documents (letter of motivation, CV, certificates), please upload (pdf files): 

• Portfolio of design work