TUD Dresden University of Technology, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the country. Founded in 1828, it is a globally oriented, regionally anchored top university, focusing on the grand challenges of the 21st century. It develops innovative solutions for the world's most pressing issues. The Cluster of Excellence "Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era (REC²)" addresses the key challenge posed by the ubiquitous use of electronics, which leads to an enormous resource and energy consumption and the generation of electronic waste. REC² establishes the scientific foundation for the electronics of the future, including new material platforms, component concepts, and integrated systems that enable the realization of responsible electronics in an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable manner.

In a range of research and academic programs, REC² unites the natural and engineering sciences with the humanities, social sciences, and medicine. This wide range of disciplines is a special feature not only of the Cluster, but also of TUD, facilitating interdisciplinarity and transfer of science to society. As a modern employer, TUD offers attractive working conditions to all employees in teaching, research, technology, and administration. The goal is to promote and develop their individual abilities while empowering everyone to reach their full potential. For TUD, diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who are committed to contributing their achievements and productivity to the success of the entire institution.

Within the Cluster of Excellence REC², at the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Media and Communication, the Chair of Media and Communication/Science and Technology Communication offers a position as

Research Associate (m/f/x)

(subject to personal qualification, employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L)

expected to start on July 30, 2026 as a maternity leave cover. The position is initially limited until November 5, 2026 for the duration of mandatory maternity leave and can be extended for the duration of the parental leave period (expected to be approximately one year). The position comprises 52,5% of the full-time weekly working hours (21 hours) within the Cluster of Excellence REC² and 47,5% of the full-time weekly working hours (19 hours) at the Chair of Media and Communication/Science and Technology Communication.

Tasks:

• scientific research activities, including but not limited to literature review, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis as well as the design, organization, and discussion of transdisciplinary, participatory formats
• presentation at inter-/disciplinary workshops and conferences and publication of research results
• for inter-/disciplinary audiences in the fields of Communication Science and adjacent fields
• coordinative tasks and project management
• academic self-administration
• teaching commitment in accordance with HSDAVO
• exchange and collaboration with a diverse team of scientists from the REC² Cluster, in particular
• with those from natural sciences and engineering

Requirements:

• a university degree (Master, if applicable with PhD) in Communication Science or adjacent fields
• excellent command of German and English, both written and spoken

We offer:

• an interesting and diverse role at a well-connected institute that conducts interdisciplinary and methodologically diverse research
• flexible working hours to support work–life balance
• a wide range of professional development and continuing education opportunities
• In REC² you will join a team of enthusiastic scientists who pursue creatively their individual research agenda inspired by the cluster’s innovative approach and support. Your research will be fostered by the REC² philosophy to promote aspiring researchers, which includes:
• access to state-of-the-art research of leading academic institutes
• possibility to apply for GreenRiskFunds to pursue your own high-risk/high-gain research ideas
• possibility of exchange with partner institutions in the Global South
• promotion of gender equality and a family-friendly work environment
• mentorship via the REC² mentoring board

TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore expressly encourage women to apply. The university is a family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.

Application: Please submit your detailed application with the usual documents by June 3, 2026 (stamped arrival date of the university central mail service or the time stamp on the email server of TUD applies), preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file to sven.engesser@tu-dresden.de or to:

TU Dresden, Institut of Media and Communication, Prof. Sven Engesser, Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden, Germany.

Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

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Reference to data protection: Your data protection rights, the purpose for which your data will be processed, as well as further information about data protection is available to you on the website:
https://tu-dresden.de/karriere/datenschutzhinweis.