Postdoctoral Researcher / Project Lead – Bio-based Construction in the African Context (m/f/d)

Projektbeschreibung

The Material Innovation & Application Team at Bauhaus Earth conducts applied research at the intersection of bio-based materials, architecture, and global construction transformation. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher / Project Lead to contribute to and coordinate high-impact research and demonstration projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The project applies systems analysis to examine how timber and agricultural resources can support emerging bio-based construction value chains, with a particular focus on logistics, coordination, and material flows between source regions, processing sites, and construction projects. The research aims to establish the foundation for a demonstrator project under Sub-Saharan conditions.

The position is intentionally dual in nature. It combines postdoctoral research—including academic publishing and contribution to an excellence cluster—with an operational project lead role. While the overall scientific leadership of the project is held by academic partners at the University of Stuttgart, the role at Bauhaus Earth takes responsibility for day-to-day project coordination, research implementation, and collaboration with local partners.

The project is part of the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC at the University of Stuttgart, offering strong opportunities for academic visibility, interdisciplinary exchange, and publication.

Dein Profil

• PhD in architecture, spatial planning, engineering, material science, or a related field

• At least three years of professional experience in architectural or material-related research and project management, preferably including work connected to an African context

• Strong experience in scientific research, including methodologies, data collection, analysis, and documentation

• Proven experience in academic research and writing, including peer-reviewed publications

• Deep knowledge of bio-based materials, construction processes, architectural systems, and supply chains; familiarity with life cycle assessment methods

• Experience in coordinating projects or leading teams in interdisciplinary or international contexts

• Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement, network-building, and presenting in workshops or conferences

• Ability to work independently and to balance hands-on fieldwork with academic research requirements

• Based in Berlin or willing to relocate

• Excellent written and spoken English skills (minimum C1); German and additional language skills are an advantage

• High willingness to travel internationally

Warum wir?

• Work at the intersection of research, practice, and policy, contributing to the global transition towards regenerative construction

• Join an interdisciplinary and international team working on applied, high-impact research

• Take on a project lead role within an internationally visible research initiative

• Creative scope and responsibility within a mission-driven organization

• Opportunities for academic visibility, publication, and collaboration through the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC

• Hybrid working options and a workplace in Berlin

• Subsidy for the Job Deutschlandticket

Deine Aufgaben

• Co-lead two international, applied research projects on bio-based construction in Sub-Saharan Africa, in close collaboration with academic project leads at the University of Stuttgart

• Conduct and supervise research related to architecture, regenerative materials, value chains, life cycle assessment (LCA), and stakeholder engagement

• Coordinate project resources, timelines, budgeting, and communication with internal and external partners

• Oversee reporting, documentation, and publication of research outcomes and contribute to knowledge-sharing across research networks

• Travel for several on-site research missions, including one extended stay

• Supervise and mentor one locally based team member in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Key facts

• Position: Postdoctoral Researcher / Project Lead

• Focus: Bio-based Construction

• Contract: Fixed-term, project-based (up to 3 years)

• Workload: 80–100 % (32–40 hours/week)

• Earliest start date: 1 March 2026 (or by arrangement)

• Location: Berlin

• Salary: TV-L E13, Step 4

• Project context: Cluster of Excellence IntCDC (University of Stuttgart)

• Travel: International fieldwork (Sub-Saharan Africa)

• Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 15 February 2026

Diversity

Bauhaus Earth welcomes applications regardless of cultural or social background, gender, age, religion or belief, disability, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from people with international backgrounds and People of Color.