University Assistant Prae-Doc (all genders)

The Research Unit of Typology and Design, in the Institute of Architecture and Design at the TU Wien invites applications for a university assistant prae-doc (all genders) position focusing on design by research and research by design in architecture. We seek an experienced and visionary practitioner-scholar to support and further develop the unit's research, teaching, and design agendas.

This part-time (30h/week) role is embedded within a dynamic research and teaching environment and requires deep engagement with experimental and critical architectural thinking. The position is ideal for individuals whose design and research work spans typological experimentation, ecological innovation, and cultural transformation. Expected start: March 2026.

The successful candidate will contribute to the following core areas of the Research Unit for Typology and Design:

Architectural Typologies and Resilience: Architectural typologies are rethought through the lens of resilience, focusing on designing specific spatial structures capable of accommodating a multiplicity of current and future programs. Emphasis is placed on notable typologies that can absorb radical programmatic shifts over time, extending buildings' life cycles and combating the demolition culture. Resilient Typologies are an ecological strategy where building structure plays an integral role. Bioregional Design. Adaptive Reuse in Urban and Rural Territories. Healthcare Architectur. Regenerative Tourism: Research is expected to build upon the unit's methodology of Research by Design, contributing to international discourse through exhibitions, publications and lectures. Educational Architecture.

Tasks:

• Teaching and Student Mentoring (Supervise and mentor students in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs; Lead design studios and seminars, particularly on public architectural typologies; Support students in developing individual and collaborative design projects with strong conceptual and material grounding)
• Curriculum and Course Development (Contribute to the definition and development of course content, thematic frameworks for studios, and integration of design research strategies; Assume responsibility for the organization and administration of courses and design studios)
• Academic and Institutional Engagement (Actively participate in internal academic committees and institutional development processes; Contribute to interdisciplinary and cross-institutional research and teaching collaborations; Writing a dissertation and publications)
• Public and International Dissemination (Curate and design exhibitions that showcase the research and pedagogical work of the unit; Organize and participate in international symposia, lectures, workshops, and exhibitions in collaboration with academic and cultural partners; Publish in academic and artistic contexts to communicate research outcomes to broader audiences)

Your profile:

• A completed Magister, Diplom, or Master’s degree in Architecture or an equivalent qualification
• Professional authorization as an architect or civil engineer, or an equivalent international accreditation
• At least four years of university-level teaching experience, including studio instruction and seminar development
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and deliver courses in architectural theory, design, and artistic research
• Proven track record of international collaboration in teaching and research
• Substantial experience in organizing and curating exhibitions, symposia, and cultural events
• Realized architectural or artistic projects demonstrating conceptual strength and implementation competence
• Authorship and editorial contributions to scientific or artistic publications
• Advanced understanding of contemporary architecture, ecological design, and artistic research strategies
• Curatorial and theoretical expertise in architectural exhibitions
• Didactic and pedagogical skills, with strong commitment to student-centered learning
• Interdisciplinary orientation and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse academic settings
• Excellent command of German (C2 level) and very good English skills (minimum B2 level); additional language competencies are welcome
• A strong interest in contributing to an engaged, critical, future-facing architectural culture

We offer:

• A wide variety and exciting range of tasks in a collegial team
• Hybrid working style with up to 60% teleworking option
• A range of attractive social benefits (see Benefits)
• Wide range of internal and external training opportunities, various career options
• Central location of workplace as well as good accessibility (U1/U2/U4 Karlsplatz)

Entry level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff. This is a minimum of currently EUR 2,832.10/month gross, 14 times/year for 30 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.

We look forward to receiving your application until February 5th, 2026.