The Research Training Group (RTG) “Urban future-making: Professional agency across time and scale,” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), is a collaborative initiative between HafenCity Universität Hamburg (HCU), Technische Universität Hamburg (TUHH), and Universität Hamburg (UHH). The RTG explores the role and agency of professionals in the built environment in addressing critical urban challenges. Scholars and doctoral researchers from social sciences and disciplines related to the built environment participate in this interdisciplinary research effort.
The program is currently accepting applications for 12 doctoral researcher positions, starting April 1st, 2025. The positions are offered under a salary Level 13 TV-L, with a 39-hour workweek and contracts extending until March 31st, 2028. Researchers will examine urban growth, climate change, and resource scarcity through the lens of “urban future-making,” focusing on professional practices in administration, planning, and civil society. The central research question is how professionals can act responsibly amidst uncertainties and crises.
The RTG is structured around three thematic tracks: “Framings” (narratives of urban challenges), “Strategies” (professional actions to effect transformative change), and “Interventions” (methodologies for responsible decision-making). The program offers a structured interdisciplinary curriculum, international collaboration opportunities, and financial support for research stays.
Applicants must have a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, proficiency in English, and interest in interdisciplinary work. Applications should include a research proposal and various supporting documents. The deadline for applications is October 22nd, 2024, with interviews scheduled for November 25th-27th, 2024 in Hamburg.
