Postdoctoral researcher in the field of Urban Regeneration

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences.
People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty . Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty's research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society.

Your role

In the context of Prof. Dr. Markus Miessen's post as Professor of Urban Regeneration / Chair of the City of Esch, the University of Luxembourg is searching for a postdoctoral candidate to support research activities in Urban Regeneration, urban commoning, and democracy building.

The Chair of the City of Esch has established the think tank Cultures of Assembly as an embedded laboratory in the city, aiming to investigate urban dynamics, post-growth scenarios, alternative community-building models, and direct interventions in the cross-border region of Southern Luxembourg (The Minett).

The position is for practitioners in architecture and/or urban planning with experience in research-based, socio-political, participatory, and cross-border planning, as well as Master's-level teaching. The candidate will join a research team working on urban conflicts, migration, governance, and spatial transformation, contributing to low-threshold, inclusive urbanism and participatory experimental platforms.

The postdoctoral candidate will support the Chair in moderating socio-political relationships and is based in the Department of Geography and Spatial Planning within the Master in Architecture, under Prof. Dr. Markus Miessen. The candidate will develop alternative participation methods and socio-political planning approaches in cross-border contexts, focusing on crossbenching models, low-threshold urban transformation, and the relationship between public policymakers and spatial design.

Areas of responsibility:

• Research in the above-mentioned fields
• Head of a design studio and theory seminar, supervision of Master's theses
• Teaching urban/territorial design and theory of urbanism
• Academic publications
• Organisation, publications, and web presence of the Chair
• Organisation of seminars, conferences, and research events
• Tutoring students and PhD candidates
• Grading examinations
• Administrative tasks

Your profile

• Master in architecture and PhD degree in architecture or urbanism, or in history or theory of architecture or urbanism, or related
• Publications in the field of architecture, urbanism or territorial design
• Experience in teaching of architectural, urban and territorial design and theory
• Avid team worker, experienced ability in and enthusiasm regarding tutoring students and in organizing research-related events
• Proficiency in the participation in research projects in relation to contemporary international research cultures and fundraising will be considered as an advantage

Social skills

• Social sensitivity is a key characteristic of this post
• You are a proactive initiator
• You have excellent communication skills

Languages

• Fluency in English, and fluent in one of the other languages of the university (German or French)
• Knowledge of Portuguese would be beneficial but is not mandatory

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objectives
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• List of publications
• Design and writing portfolio

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students. To ensure full consideration, candidates should apply ONLINE through the HR system by 31/01/2026.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Planned Start Date: 01/03/2026
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07894

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 85176 (full time).