In the DFG Research Training Group "Organizing Architectures" (3022), in which the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, the Technical University of Darmstadt, the University of Kassel and the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory are involved, 12 positions for doctoral students are to be filled as of 01.11.2026.

Six positions are located at the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, four positions at the Technical University of Darmstadt and one position at the University of Kassel; a further position at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory will be filled on the basis of a separate advertisement.

For the 11 positions located at the first three institutions mentioned above, we are looking for

Research Assistants (m/f/d)

(75 % part-time)

Application deadline: 07.04.2026

Date of hire: 01.11.2026

Vacancy number: T103-2026
The positions are limited to three years – with the option of extension for a further year. The salary (E13) is based on the collective agreement applicable to Goethe University (TV-G-U), TU Darmstadt (TV-TU Darmstadt) and the University of Kassel (TV-H).

The Research Training Group focuses on architecture as the organized, collective shaping of modern societies through institutions, networks and discourses. This focus is based on the assumption that observation of social orders cannot be separated from architectural formations and that these, like the respective architectures, arise through specific, complex social negotiation processes. A detailed description of the graduate school and more detailed information on applications can be found at .

We are also offering an online information event where we will present the research concept, the study program and the future working methods of the college, and will of course be available to answer any questions. Registration is not required. The link to participate can be found on the website mentioned above.

We welcome doctoral projects in the fields represented by the research group: architecture and art history, media and history studies, law, sociology, human geography, political science, architecture, and urban planning.

We expect a qualified, above-average university degree (Master’s, Diploma or comparable qualifications) in one of the disciplines represented in the college or related disciplines as well as interest in the subject area of the college and in addressing the overarching research questions of the college within its three working areas of institutions, networks and discourses. Additionally, we expect a willingness to work in an interdisciplinary manner and ideally initial experience in this, the ability, eagerness and readiness to work in a team and good German or English skills, as well as the willingness to learn the other language.

The colleg values diversity and therefore welcomes all applications, regardless of nationality, ethnic and social background, religion and age. The institutions are committed to a policy of providing equal employment opportunities for both men and women alike, and therefore encourages particularly women to apply for the position/s offered. Individuals with severe disability will be prioritized in case of equal aptitiude and ability. The college also offers support in balancing family and work. Due to the collaborative nature of the interdisciplinary research group, regular presence at the place of employment (Frankfurt am Main, Darmstadt or Kassel) is expected as well as active participation in the qualification and study program of the research group.

Please submit the following application documents in German or English by 07.04.2026, exclusively via the TU Darmstadt application portal ():

• a cover letter explaining your motivation for pursuing a doctorate in the Research Training Group, stating in which of the participating disciplines you are pursing your doctorate
• CV with information on your course of study and language skills and your academic certificates (scanned)
• as a separate, anonymized file containing a detailed research exposé of a maximum of 3 pages plus a bibliography for a doctoral project taking into account the academic program of the Research Training Group. Please indicate here in which of the participating disciplines you wish to pursue a doctorate and which supervisor(s) from among the principal investigators of the Research Training Group you prefer

Based on the assignment to a supervisor, the place of work will be determined and employment will be offered at one of the four participating institutions.

The selection interviews will take place in the beginning of June.

Please direct any questions to the coordinator of the research training group, Friederike Weidner (f.weidner(at)kunst.uni-frankfurt.de).