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

Job offer

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

Location:

• Berlin
• EURAXESS

Summary:

• Working hours: Part-time / Full-time
• Type: N/A
• Qualification level: Activities with varying qualifications

Desired Skills & Knowledge:

• Network
• Design
• IT
• Interface
• CAN
• Cluster
• across
• Translation software
• Mobile App
• Hybrid
• Analysis
• Demonstration
• Support
• Logistics
• Policy
• Engagement

Our Benefits:

• Company ticket
• Training measures

Job Description:

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 looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher / Project Lead to contribute to and coordinate high-impact research and demonstration projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The project applies systems-based approaches to explore how timber and agricultural resources can support emerging bio-based construction value chains. A particular focus lies on material flows, logistics, coordination, and the interfaces between resource regions, processing sites, and construction projects. The research aims to lay the groundwork for a real-world demonstrator project under Sub-Saharan conditions.

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

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

Your Tasks:

• 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
• Leading a team of three in Berlin and one locally based team member in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Your Profile:

• PhD or equivalent
• 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,
• PhD in architecture or spatial planning
• At least three years of professional experience in architectural or material-related research and project management, preferably including work within the global south
• 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

Languages:

• ENGLISH
• A completed PhD in Architecture or Spatial Planning
• Strong interest in applied, practice-oriented research and working at the interface of research, design, and real-world implementation
• Interest in bio-based construction, sustainable building practices, or regenerative approaches
• Very good English skills (working language of the project)
• Openness to working in an international and interdisciplinary context, including collaboration with partners in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Willingness to be based in Berlin (hybrid working model possible)

We Offer:

• 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

Contact:

talent@bauhauserde.org, https://www.bauhauserde.org

Profile:

Professional Requirements:

• Applied research, Architecture, Construction, Budgeting, Data collection, Field research, Research, Research experience, Infrastructure, Innovation, Postdoc, Project management, Publishing, Spatial planning, Stakeholder engagement, Team management, Event management, Scientific studies, Life cycle assessment

Personal Skills:

• Self-motivation, Leadership skills, Communication, Coordination, Creativity, Teamwork

Education:

• Dissertation

Language Skills:

• German, English

Work Experience:

• With work experience

Application:

• A first conversation to get to know each other, discuss your background, and align expectations.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to prepare a case study. The focus is on your approach, reasoning, and ability to structure complex questions - not on finding a single "correct" solution.
• Candidates will be invited to an on-site interview in Berlin, where they will present their case study and discuss it with the team, followed by further questions.

Industry:

• Other / Unknown

Employer:

• EURAXESS

Address:

• EURAXESS
• Postal Code 12099
• Street Oberlandstraße

Web:

• http://www.bauhauserde.org