Research Assistant Position in Agricultural Engineering at University of Kassel, Germany (Fully Funded PhD Opportunity)
If you’re looking for an academic career in Germany while pursuing a PhD or advancing toward a habilitation, the University of Kassel has opened an excellent opportunity for international and domestic applicants.
The university is recruiting a full-time Research Assistant (m/f/d) in Agricultural Engineering within the Department of Organic Agricultural Sciences. Besides offering a competitive German public-sector salary, the position also provides the opportunity to earn a doctoral degree or continue academic qualification through a habilitation.
This opportunity is especially attractive for graduates and researchers interested in agricultural engineering, biosystems engineering, sustainable agriculture, and university teaching. The University of Kassel Research Assistant position offers much more than a standard academic job. It combines paid employment, university teaching, cutting-edge agricultural engineering research, and the opportunity to earn a PhD or continue toward a habilitation.
For researchers aiming to build a long-term academic career in Germany, this position provides valuable experience, competitive compensation, and access to one of the country’s respected institutions in agricultural sciences.
Position Overview
| Position | Research Assistant (m/f/d) |
|---|---|
| University | University of Kassel |
| Department | Organic Agricultural Sciences |
| Division | Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering |
| Professor | Prof. Dr. Hensel |
| Location | Kassel, Germany |
| Salary | Pay Grade 13 TV-H |
| Employment Type | Full-time (40 hours/week) |
| Contract | Fixed-term until March 31, 2029 |
| Extension | Intended |
| Starting Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | July 27, 2026 |
| Reference Number | 39365 |
About the Opportunity
The successful candidate will become part of the Agricultural Engineering Research Group at the University of Kassel.
The position combines research, university teaching, student supervision, and academic project development. It is designed as a qualification position under German higher education regulations, allowing researchers to pursue further academic advancement.
Candidates without a doctorate may complete a PhD, while applicants who already hold a doctoral degree can work toward a habilitation.
What You Will Do
The selected Research Assistant will contribute to nearly every aspect of the Agricultural Engineering Research Group.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the research group leader in research activities
- Assisting with teaching responsibilities
- Participating in departmental administration
- Delivering lectures for Bachelor’s and Master’s students
- Teaching courses in both German and English
- Supervising undergraduate and graduate students
- Developing new research projects
- Designing scientific experiments and research studies
- Contributing to academic publications
- Supporting innovation in agricultural engineering
Applicants planning to use this position for a PhD or habilitation must submit an academic exposé related to agricultural engineering.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should possess strong academic qualifications in agricultural sciences or closely related disciplines.
Minimum requirements include:
- A completed university degree in Agricultural Sciences with a specialization in Agricultural Engineering or a related subject.
- The required degree must be completed before the hiring date.
Applicants seeking qualification toward a habilitation must additionally have:
- A completed doctoral degree in Agricultural Sciences or a related field.
- The doctoral degree must be awarded before the position begins.
Required Skills
The university is looking for applicants who can demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of agricultural process engineering
- Excellent understanding of functional theory
- Previous university teaching experience
- Practical agricultural background
- Excellent German language skills
- Excellent English language skills
- Strong research and communication abilities
Contract and Salary
The appointment is offered under Pay Grade 13 TV-H, one of Germany’s standard public-sector salary scales for academic employees.
The contract is initially valid until March 31, 2029, with an intended extension based on institutional requirements and funding.
The position is full-time and currently consists of 40 working hours per week.
Why Apply to the University of Kassel?
The University of Kassel has earned a strong reputation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural engineering research.
Working here provides several advantages:
- Opportunity to earn a PhD while employed
- Possibility to pursue a habilitation
- Competitive German public-sector salary
- Experience teaching international students
- Access to modern agricultural engineering research facilities
- Collaboration with experienced researchers
- Career development within German higher education
- International academic environment
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | July 27, 2026 |
| Employment Begins | October 1, 2026 |
| Initial Contract Ends | March 31, 2029 |
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare all required academic documents before submitting their application.
Applicants intending to pursue a PhD or habilitation should also prepare an academic exposé focused on agricultural engineering. Applications must reference: Reference Number: 39365. Official link to apply for the Job Posting: https://stellen.uni-kassel.de/jobposting/6d78129482b585f3084f3c801555a5e25285ed820
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a fully funded PhD opportunity?
Yes. The position is a full-time salaried Research Assistant role that allows eligible candidates to pursue a PhD while employed.
Where is the position located?
The position is based at the University of Kassel in Kassel, Germany.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by July 27, 2026.
When does the position start?
The successful applicant will begin work on October 1, 2026.
What salary is offered?
The position is paid according to TV-H Pay Grade 13, the standard salary scale for academic employees in the German public sector.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Applicants who meet the academic and language requirements are eligible to apply. However, very good German and English language skills are required because teaching responsibilities include courses in both languages.
Is prior teaching experience required?
Yes. The university specifically lists teaching experience as one of the required qualifications.
Is knowledge of German mandatory?
Yes. Candidates must demonstrate very good written and spoken German, along with excellent English proficiency.
Can applicants with only a master’s degree apply?
Yes. Applicants who have completed the required degree in Agricultural Sciences or a closely related field by the hiring date may apply and use the position to pursue a PhD.
What research area should the PhD proposal cover?
Applicants intending to complete a PhD or habilitation must submit an exposé related to the field of agricultural engineering.
Discover more from Agristok
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.