OPEN POSITION: Doctoral Researcher

January 9, 2026

Researcher at ITKE

Doctoral Researcher (4 years) – starting April 1, 2026

Research Training Group “BioBuild – Bio-inspired Materials and Systems for Responsive Building Components.” (DFG-funded)

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral researcher (m/f/d) for a full-time PhD position (E 13 TV-L, 100%) with a duration of four years. The position includes full support toward obtaining a doctoral degree.

The PhD position is embedded in the DFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) “BioBuild – Bio-inspired Materials and Systems for Responsive Building Components.” The successful candidate will work within an interdisciplinary research environment and collaborate closely with architects, engineers, biologists, and chemists at the University of Stuttgart and the University of Freiburg. The research focuses on the conception, development, and evaluation of bio-inspired responsive building envelope systems.

Your Profile

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field
  • Strong background in façade engineering, environmental simulation, and digital fabrication
  • Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of architecture, engineering, and biology
  • Experience in design or engineering offices is considered an advantage
  • Very good command of English; knowledge of German is beneficial but not required

What We Offer

  • A fully funded 4-year PhD position within a structured doctoral training program
  • Close supervision and mentoring within an internationally visible research group
  • Access to excellent research infrastructure and fabrication facilities
  • A dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary academic environment

Application

Please submit your application as a single PDF file (max. 15 MB) by
February 10, 2026 to: info@itke.uni-stuttgart.de

For further information or informal inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Positions in BioBuild

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

Dead line 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 priting, 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 internships 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
0761-2037160

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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