Research Assistant in Competency Development, Digital Teaching and Learning Formats, and Learning Spaces (m/f/d) - Reference Number: 33-2026 FindYourWay-

As part of the “Find YOUR Way” project, the position holder will design and oversee a competency-based, participatory, and student-centered learning process. The focus is on developing, testing, and sustainably integrating innovative teaching and learning formats to promote future skills in existing degree programs.

Key responsibilities include the design and further development of learning hubs, cross-module learning scenarios, and digital and analog self-study and in-person formats. Particular emphasis is placed on the targeted development of interdisciplinary competencies, especially conflict resolution, resilience, self-management, teamwork, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and learning skills.

The successful candidate will contribute pedagogical and higher education teaching expertise to the development, implementation, and evaluation of competency-based teaching and learning concepts. This includes the didactic preparation of learning content, the design of engaging learning environments, and the development of transfer-oriented assignment formats that enable students to reflect on, apply, and further develop their competencies.

Another focus is on the systematic involvement of students as co-creators. Together with faculty, students, and industry partners, learning formats are developed, piloted, evaluated, and iteratively refined in a participatory manner. The position holder facilitates relevant development and reflection sessions and supports the quality assurance of the teaching and learning offerings developed.

In addition, the position holder contributes to agile project management. This includes the structured documentation of work results, coordination with project participants, the preparation and follow-up of workshops and project meetings, as well as continuous quality assurance of project implementation.

The following knowledge and skills are required

• a completed academic degree at the master’s or diploma level in a relevant discipline, such as pedagogy, higher education didactics, psychology, educational sciences, social sciences, business or engineering education, or a comparable field,
• in-depth knowledge of the development, implementation, and evaluation of competency-based teaching and learning concepts. Experience in the pedagogical design of learning processes and in the development of cross-disciplinary competencies—particularly in the areas of conflict resolution, resilience, self-management, teamwork, and communication skills—is of particular importance,
• Knowledge of empirical social research, particularly qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods, ideally in the context of pre-/post-tests, evaluations, or competency development processes, is required or expected,
• Good German language skills as well as good English language skills for academic communication.

In addition, the following are desirable:

• knowledge of competency models, particularly those based on Erpenbeck/Heyse, as well as experience with future-skills approaches, competency-oriented diagnostics, and reflection-oriented learning formats,
• a basic understanding of digital learning technologies as well as experience in developing digital self-study modules, learning hubs, or hybrid teaching and learning formats,
• Experience facilitating participatory formats with students, faculty, and external partners.

What We Expect from You

• We are seeking a person with a strong interest in innovative, student-centered higher education and the systematic development of competencies. We expect strong conceptual, analytical, and pedagogical skills, as well as a structured, independent, and responsible approach to work.
• The successful candidate should possess strong communication and facilitation skills and enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration with students, faculty, industry partners, and other stakeholders. Also important are agility in dealing with open development processes, the ability to reflect, a willingness to learn, and the ability to constructively incorporate different perspectives.
• Organizational skills, initiative, reliability, and sensitivity to the needs and learning requirements of diverse target groups are key personal qualities. An interest in pursuing further academic qualifications in the context of competency development, higher education pedagogy, and future skills is strongly encouraged.

We offer you

• an interesting position with creative freedom in a research team,
• flexible and family-friendly working hours, as well as the option to work from home within the framework of the applicable employment agreement,
• opportunities for personal and professional development through targeted continuing education and training,
• attractive employee benefits (company pension plan, annual bonus, capital-forming benefits),
• a workplace health management program with initiatives to promote employee health, as well as
• the option to use a job ticket.