Postdoc in Resilient Architecture in TU Darmstadt – Germany

Summary

TU Darmstadt is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Associate for Design and Technology of Resilient Architecture within its Department of Architecture, Institute for Technology and Resilience in Architecture (ITRA). The position is full-time, fixed-term for 3 years, and offers the opportunity for further academic qualification through habilitation. The role involves research, teaching, and knowledge transfer in integrated facade and building technologies, with a focus on climate change adaptation and hydroactive facade systems. The successful candidate will contribute to the department's research activities and develop their own research focus. The salary is based on pay grade 13 TV TU Darmstadt. The application deadline is October 15, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Architecture – Institute for Technology and Resilience in Architecture ITRA
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Associate (m/f/d)
Discipline	Architecture
Research Area	Resilient Architecture, Design and Technology of Resilient Architecture, Integrated Facade and Building Technologies, Facade Technologies, Building Technologies, Resource and Energy Efficiency, Climate Change Adaptation, Hydroactive Facade Systems, Rainwater Harvesting Evaporative Cooling, Urban Heat Flood Risks Mitigation
Salary	Pay grade 13 TV TU Darmstadt
Contract Duration	Fixed-term contract 3 years
Deadline	2026-10-15
Employer Address	TU Darmstadt – Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany

About the Project

The research focuses on integrated facade and building technologies for resilient architecture, specifically combining resource and energy efficiency with the adaptive capacity of buildings and neighborhoods to climatic, social, ecological, and economic challenges. A key area is climate change adaptation, involving the cross-material development of hydroactive facade systems for rainwater harvesting and evaporative cooling to mitigate urban heat and flood risks. The research spans simulation, experimental-measurement studies, prototype development, and large-scale demonstrators, with an emphasis on transferring scientific findings into practical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake research, teaching, and knowledge transfer tasks in integrated facade and building technologies for resilient architecture.
• Play a key role in the further development of the department's research activities.
• Further develop own research focus areas within the department's research profile and introduce new methodological approaches.
• Conception, preparation, implementation and evaluation of courses in Bachelor's and Master's degree programs.
• Contribute to the development of new research questions.
• Participate in the conception and application for national and international research and third-party funded projects, including interdisciplinary and cooperative joint projects.
• Provide technical support to scientific and technical personnel.
• Provide scientific supervision of experimental measurement and testing infrastructures.
• Scientific evaluation, preparation and documentation of research results, as well as their publication and presentation.
• Contribute to the conception, organization and implementation of scientific events, including symposia, conferences, workshops and exhibitions.
• Participate in transfer activities, especially the transfer of research results into prototypes, demonstrators, pilot applications and collaborations with practical partners.
• Establish, maintain and further develop international and interdisciplinary cooperations with university, industrial, municipal and other external partners.
• Coordinate and further develop scientific communication and public relations for the department.

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for a Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Associate interested in resilient architecture, integrated facade and building technologies, and climate change adaptation. Candidates should be prepared to undertake research, teaching, and knowledge transfer tasks, and be keen on developing their own research focus within the department's profile. The role offers an opportunity for academic qualification through habilitation.

Benefits

• Diverse and challenging tasks
• Independent work
• Access to current technologies
• Good collegial and cooperative collaboration
• Needs-based training opportunities and individual personnel development
• Opportunity for further academic qualification (habilitation)
• Comprehensive internal training program and opportunities for further qualification
• 30 days vacation per year for full-time employees
• 5 days educational leave
• Free travel entitlement in all regional transport in Hesse (Hesse State Ticket)
• Mobile working options
• Free medical check-ups
• Wide range of discounted sports activities
• Flexible working hours
• Company health management
• Supplementary pension scheme for public service employees (VBL)
• Company bike / bike leasing
• Childcare services
• Payment of child allowance according to collective bargaining agreements
• Holiday programs for families

About the Employer

TU Darmstadt is a technical university known for excellent and relevant science, playing a key role in global transformation processes like energy transition and artificial intelligence. Its research is concentrated in three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, and Matter and Materials. The university is rooted in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region, has a strong international focus, and is committed to European values. The Department of Architecture is highly interdisciplinary, integrating artistic, technical, historical, social science, and design disciplines. The Institute for Technology and Resilience in Architecture (ITRA) focuses on integrated facade and building technologies, combining resource and energy efficiency with adaptive building capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract is fixed-term for 3 years.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 15, 2026.

What is the pay grade for this position?

The position is paid according to pay grade 13 TV TU Darmstadt.

Is there an opportunity for further academic qualification?

Yes, the position offers the opportunity for further academic qualification through habilitation.

What are the main research areas of the Institute for Technology and Resilience in Architecture (ITRA)?

ITRA focuses on integrated facade and building technologies, combining resource and energy efficiency with the ability of buildings and neighborhoods to adapt to climatic, social, ecological, and economic challenges, with a key focus on climate change adaptation and hydroactive facade systems.

Are there any benefits related to public transport?

Yes, employees receive a free travel entitlement in all regional transport in Hesse through the Hesse State Ticket.