Research Assistants (Doctoral Researcher) (m/f/d)
Universität Stuttgart
The Universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg offer
10 Positions for Research Assistants (Doctoral Researcher) (m/f/d)
within the new Research and Training (RTG) group GRK 3123 „BioBuild – Bioinspired Materials and Systems for Responsive Building Components“. The RTG BioBuild is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and is located at the interface between architecture, engineering, and natural sciences. The program will start on 01.04.2026. The research focus of the program is on bio-inspired building envelopes that respond flexibly to weather and light conditions, thereby reducing the energy required to operate buildings. Graduate schools offer doctoral students the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in a structured research and qualification program at a high academic level.
Via this program, several doctoral researcher (PhD) positions in the field of bioinspiration, materials research, process technology and architecture will be opened. Topics of the doctoral theses will address questions on:
1. Deciphering mechanics and kinematics of motile plant organs
2. Designing responsive materials systems for compliant mechanisms
3. Upscaling 4D printing for responsive mechanisms
4. Complex shape changes in fiber-reinforced composites
5. Integrating materials systems and fabrication processes for responsive building components
Deadline for applications: 20.02.2026, however, later applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
Starting date: from 01.04.2026
Type of employment: part time 65% -100 % FTE
Salary category: TVL E13
Location: Home base for thesis on Architecture will be Stuttgart, on Material Sciences and Bioinspiration will be Freiburg
Requirements
- An excellent master’s or equivalent degree in Architecture, Civil- or Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Biology or a related field
- A strong interest in interdisciplinary research as well as a creative, proactive, and team-oriented mindset
- High proficiency in English, both written and spoken
What we offer
We offer a stimulating and supportive environment based on the broad expertise developed in many years of fruitful collaboration between our universities. We offer the successful applicant the opportunity to engage in highly interdisciplinary research in the exciting field of adaptive architecture and bioinspired materials. Participants in the program benefit from a worldwide unique infrastructure. On the Stuttgart side this will be the Clusters of Excellence INTCDC with the Advanced Materials Innovation and Characterization Lab (AMICA). On the Freiburg side the Cluster of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS) with the Freiburg Center on Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT). Access to state-of-the-art technology is provided ranging from large scale robotic fabrication, 4D printing, materials synthesis and characterization. We offer a comprehensive qualification and training program consisting of individual training in the area of the RTG, key transferable skills and interdisciplinary cooperation, The position is limited to 3+1 years and intended for the completion of a PhD degree.
Please note that your application must include the following documents in order to be processed:
1. Cover letter expressing your motivation
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Complete transcripts & grade reports (school education, bachelor's degree/preliminary diploma, master's degree/diploma)
4. Additional certificates (e.g., certificates of level of proficiency in English or proof of in-ternships completed)
5. Names and contact addresses of at least two referees with whom you have worked and who can provide a reliable assessment of your work ethic.
The positions are offered for 3 + 1 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with TVL E13.
The Universities of Freiburg and Stuttgart are dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion/belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
Applicants with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
Contact Uni Freiburg (Bioinspiration+Material Science)
Prof. Jürgen Rühe
Technische Fakultät der Universität Freiburg
ruehe@imtek.uni-freiburg.de
+49 761-2037160
Contact Uni Stuttgart (Architecture and Engineering)
Prof. Jan Knippers
Institut für Tragkonstruktionen und Konstruktives Entwerfen Universität Stuttgart
info@itke.uni-stuttgart.de
+49 711 685-83280
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