PhD Project Assistant in Landscape Architecture and Urban Care Infrastructures
Explore care-based governance for green transitions through participatory design, mapping, and community engagement in Vienna.
Best for:Best for landscape architects, urban planners, or social scientists with expertise in participatory methods, spatial analysis, and care-based governance.
Overview
This PhD position at TU Wien focuses on nurturing infrastructures of care in urban landscapes, particularly in Vienna-Meidling. The role involves conducting site analyses, developing participatory and digital methods, and co-creating strategies for inclusive green transitions. The project, funded by Horizon Europe, integrates cultural participation, care-based governance, and spatial planning to strengthen social cohesion. The candidate will contribute to a Digital Neighbourhood Atlas, Caring Neighbourhood Index, and Caring Futures Guidelines while engaging with local stakeholders, municipalities, and international partners. The position is part-time (75% in Year 1, 50% in Year 2, 25% in Year 3) and spans three years, starting September 2026.
What you'll do
- Conduct site analyses in Vienna-Meidling to assess blue-green infrastructure care practices.
- Develop and implement participatory, digital, and artistic methods for mapping care relations and spatial networks.
- Visualise care infrastructures, interdependencies, and maintenance practices through spatial analyses and digital tools.
- Organise and moderate co-creative workshops on landscape care, scenarios, and maintenance practices.
- Participate in Biennales and Living Labs, including hands-on horticultural and landscape gardening activities.
- Support knowledge transfer with international networks, municipalities, and practice partners.
- Contribute to scientific publications, project reports, social media, and press releases in English.
- Develop guidelines for inclusive, sustainable, and beautiful green transitions (Caring Futures Guidelines).
Requirements
Degree required: Completed master’s degree in landscape architecture, landscape planning, spatial planning, urban planning, sociology, geography, cultural studies, ethnography, political science, or an equivalent qualification with a clear reference to landscape research.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Excellent language skills in German and English; knowledge of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian/Montenegrin is an advantage.
Instruction: English
- Profound practical knowledge in landscape architecture and landscape planning.
- Experience with participation and moderation processes in community settings.
- Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Strong interest in participatory design and planning methods for urban open spaces.
- Craftsmanship skills (e.g., horticulture, landscape gardening).
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Strong social skills, communication, and graphic design abilities.
- Ability to work independently, analytically, and collaboratively.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- No age or prior experience caps.
- Explicit intention to pursue a dissertation required.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-07-23 (CET)
Applicants must submit their application via email to Prof. Dr. Susann Ahn at susann.ahn@tuwien.ac.at. The subject line must read 'INFRA-CARE Prae-Doc.' The application should include a letter of motivation (max 2 pages), CV, bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates, portfolio or work samples, list of publications or writing sample, and an academic exposé in English (3–5 pages) with a possible dissertation topic.
- Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae
- Bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates
- Portfolio or work samples
- List of publications or writing sample
- Academic exposé in English (3–5 pages)
Contact
Susann Ahn· Professor
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