Vacancy for a University Assistant with a PhD Project in the Department of Design Research and Design Theory at the Institute of Design
The University of Arts Linz, with 1,750 students from 60 countries, is an international university with state-of-the-art facilities located in the centre of the city. It operates in the dynamic field of tension between independent, artistic, and applied, business-oriented design as well as research. The focus is on interactivity, digitalisation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary, practice-oriented work.
We are inviting applications for a University Assistant at 50% employment starting 1 October 2026, to work on the FWF-funded Emerging Field project ‘Twist, Shift x Shake – Diversabilities for Art and Design’. TSxS — Twist, Shift, and Shake is an FWF-funded research project at the University of Arts Linz and the Vienna University of Technology. It explores what design and art can learn when diverse abilities are the methodological foundation instead of a mere afterthought. Working in mixed-ability teams, a hub and four specialised labs jointly develop new objects, methods, and theoretical approaches at the intersection of design, art, technology, and critical disability studies. With this in mind, we expressly encourage people with disabilities or chronic health conditions who meet the required qualifications to apply.
The employment contract is for a fixed term from 1 October 2026 to 31 August 2031. In accordance with Section 49(3) of the collective bargaining agreement, the University of Arts Linz pays university assistants at 50% employment a minimum monthly salary of €1,888.05 (before tax and deductions) – 14 times per year.
Areas of responsibility
- Design research, practice-based design research, with a particular emphasis on transdisciplinary and participatory approaches, as well as disability and diversability studies, crip theory, and sensory interaction design.
- Supporting the conception, coordination, and organisation of activities in the field of design research, in particular events, participatory workshops, and field research
- Participating in administrative bodies
- Developing one’s own PhD project within the research framework established by the Twist, Shift x Shake project
Essential qualifications
- Degree (diploma or master’s degree) in design, design research, transformation design, participatory design, or other related fields
- A project idea with a strong focus on design research/design studies that is aligned with the framework and objectives of the FWF-funded project ‘Twist, Shift × Shake – Diversabilities for Art and Design’
- Excellent German and English skills, both written and spoken
- Gender and diversity competence
Desired qualifications
- Proficiency in the use of digital media
- Experience in transdisciplinary research, design research, or participatory research
- Previous teaching experience
- Organisational and administrative skills
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
What we offer:
- A diverse and varied range of responsibilities within the ‘TSxS’ research project
- A dynamic teaching and research environment with a wide variety of artistic and academic events
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- An inclusive work environment
- Accessible facilities
- Workplace in the centre of Linz – easily accessible by public transportation
- Opportunities for professional development (in-house training programme, international training opportunities)
- Childcare service (hourly) for children aged 15 months to 3 years
The University of Arts Linz pursues an anti-discriminatory hiring policy and is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. The University strives to increase the proportion of women among the academic, artistic, and general university staff, especially in leadership positions, and therefore explicitly invites qualified women to apply. In the case of equal qualifications, women shall be given priority. Applications from trans and intersex people, non-binary people, people with migration experience and/or migrant backgrounds, and disabled people are expressly encouraged.
Applicants are not entitled to compensation for travel and accommodation expenses incurred as a result of the admission process.
Please submit your written application (including a cover letter, CV, certificates, and a one-page project outline) in digital form to ufg.bewerbung890@kunstuni-linz.at by no later than 1 July 2026.
By submitting your application, you expressly agree that the data you provide will be processed and used as part of the university’s internal application process.
