Research Associate (doctoral position, E 13 TV-L) - Stuttgart

(English translation for information purposes only. The legally binding version of this call is the German job advertisement.)

The University of Stuttgart represents outstanding, world-renowned research and first-class teaching in one of Europe's most dynamic industrial regions. As a reliable employer, the university supports and promotes the academic careers of its researchers. It is proud of its employees, who currently come from over 100 different countries. The university is a partner for knowledge and technology transfer and focuses on multidisciplinarity.

The Institute for Housing and Design (IWE) at the University of Stuttgart invites applications for a

Research Associate (doctoral position, E 13 TV-L)

within the Sociology of Architecture and Housing Unit, starting 01 October 2026. We are seeking a committed individual who is interested in helping to shape the future of housing sociology at our institute together with us. The position is initially offered as a three-year, fixed-term appointment (75% E 13 TV-L). An extension of the employment contract may be possible.

The Sociology of Architecture and Housing Unit at the University of Stuttgart approaches housing and the built environment from a social science perspective. Its work centres on social dynamics and inequalities across urban contexts. Embedded within one of Germany’s research-intensive architecture faculties, it brings together theoretical and empirical approaches. We foster innovative and interdisciplinary research that encourages critical engagement with contemporary societal challenges.

Your responsibilities:

• Independent research in the field of sociology of housing with the aim of obtaining a doctoral qualification;
• Participation in the design and delivery of teaching (2 contact hours during term time);
• Supporting the department in research and teaching, acquisition of third-party funding, public engagement, and organisational tasks.

What we offer:

• An exciting role within a vibrant, research-active and collegial environment;
• Comprehensive supervision of the doctoral project, support in developing your academic profile and visibility;
• Financial support for participation in conferences;
• Financial support for obtaining relevant housing datasets (if needed);
• Integration into various local, national and international networks;
• Employment, remuneration, and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (E 13 TV-L).

Your profile:

• A successfully completed university degree (Master’s, Diploma, or equivalent) in sociology, social sciences, urban studies, architecture, or a related field, with very good academic results, prior to taking up the position;
• Proven knowledge of housing and urban sociology;
• Interest in the institute’s and Faculty 1’s broader research priorities;
• Experience with empirical social science methods;
• Knowledge of social inequality research is an advantage;
• Very good command of English (knowledge of German is desirable but not essential);
• Strong organisational skills, initiative, and ability to work in a team.

The University of Stuttgart promotes equal opportunities for women in the workplace and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. In the case of equal qualifications, applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference.

Application requirements:

Applications should include the following documents in English (or German):

1. A brief cover letter outlining your motivation;
2. A short proposal for your doctoral project (max. four pages, including a timeline);
3. A letter of recommendation, the name of an academic referee OR a piece of writing;
4. Your curriculum vitae;
5. Degree certificates and other relevant documents.

Please send your complete application by 03 June 2026 (23:59, Stuttgart time) as a single PDF file (max. 8 MB) with the subject line “Bewerbung HA01” to:

iwe@iwe.uni-stuttgart.de

(University of Stuttgart/Fakultät 1 Institute for Housing and Design IWE Keplerstr. 11, 70174 Stuttgart)

Applications received after the deadline cannot be considered. Unfortunately, application and interview expenses cannot be reimbursed. Interviews are expected to take place on 23 June 2026 in Stuttgart.

For substantive questions, please contact Dr Anthony Miro Born (a.m.born@lse.ac.uk).

Please be aware, when sending your application by unencrypted email, of the risks to the confidentiality and integrity of your application materials. Information pursuant to Article 13 of the GDPR regarding the handling of applicant data can be found at https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/datenschutz/bewerbung/

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