Research Associate (m/f/d) within the project “Optimizing 3D Models of Endangered Cultural Heritage (Opt3D)”

The Herder Institute for Historical Research on East Central Europe, a member of the Leibniz Association, is seeking to fill a position in its Scientific Collections Department within the project “Optimizing 3D Models of Endangered Cultural Heritage (Opt3D)”. The position is available from 1 October 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a term of 2 years.
Research Associate (m/f/d) for the development and coordination of digital HBIM 3D models and their classification within the technical infrastructure (Salary grade E 13 TV-H, up to 50% position)
 

The Herder Institute for Historical Research on East Central Europe is dedicated to the study of the history and culture of East Central Europe. Drawing on its extensive collections, the Institute conducts its own research and develops projects in the fields of art and cultural history, Digital Humanities, and multimedia knowledge portals.
One such initiative is the three-year project “Optimizing 3D Models of Endangered Cultural Heritage: A Critical Analysis of AI- and Human-Generated HBIM Models for Jewish Heritage Sites in East Central Europe (Opt3D)”, funded through the Leibniz Association’s competitive funding scheme under the Pact for Research and Innovation. The project is carried out in cooperation with the Open Science Lab at the Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology (TIB Hannover), the Bet Tfila Research Unit at the Technical University of Braunschweig, the Institute of Architecture at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, as well as additional associated partners across East Central Europe.
The project, coordinated by the Herder Institute in Marburg, aims to connect, evaluate, and advance methods and standards in the field of built heritage digitization. Its primary focus is on the digital three-dimensional documentation, analysis, and preservation of historic buildings, with particular emphasis on Jewish heritage sites in East Central Europe.
By combining the expertise of a transnational network with the targeted application of AI-based 3D technologies, the project seeks to assess and further develop approaches to the standardized digitization, processing, and modelling of historical data. The overarching goal is to establish sustainable and accessible research methodologies and interoperable datasets that contribute to the long-term preservation of endangered cultural heritage assets.
Further information about the project can be found at:
https://www.herder-institut.de/de/link/69b28ca4b49288.88276137

Responsibilities

• Independent coordination and contribution to sub-projects within Opt3D (HBIM 3D modelling and quality management as well as data modelling and data classification).
• Coordination and support for the 3D modelling of historic buildings in East Central Europe.
• Harmonizing and managing 3D data exchange formats within the technical infrastructure of the project partners (databases and content management systems).
• Engaging with and applying OpenBIM standards and technologies (e.g., ifcOWL, bSDD).
• Contributing to the further development of the technical infrastructure of the project partners (functionality, interfaces, operational concepts, and usability).
• Maintaining communication with international project partners, particularly in East Central Europe.
• Preparing multilingual reports and tutorials.

Qualifications

• Completed university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Architecture or a related field, with a focus on digital 3D visualizations, the architecture of East Central Europe, and/or digital infrastructures in object-oriented humanities; a doctoral degree is desirable.
• Demonstrated expertise in established 3D modelling methods and technologies.
• Experience in international (externally funded) research projects and in collaborating with multiple project partners from different countries.
• Experience in the digital documentation of cultural heritage sites and/or the creation of 3D models of historic architecture, as well as familiarity with international data standards and data models in the cultural heritage sector.
• Knowledge of semantic database design and development, as well as the documentation and online visualization of 3D data, particularly with regard to 3D repositories, authority files, and controlled vocabularies/thesauri.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of an East Central European language would be an asset.

Desirable Qualifications

• A strong conceptual interest in the application of information technologies and digital media in architectural history, art history, cultural history, and the Digital Humanities.
• Regional expertise and background knowledge relating to East Central Europe.
• Experience in higher education teaching, particularly in the areas of CAD, 3D modelling, especially in Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Equal Opportunities and Family-Friendly Working Environment
The Herder Institute is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. We therefore strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration where qualifications and suitability are otherwise equal.
The Herder Institute is a family-friendly employer and welcomes applications from candidates with children. We offer flexible working arrangements, including location-independent work, flexible working hours, and access to a parent–child room for short-term childcare needs.

For further information, please contact: Dr. Dietmar Popp (dietmar.popp@herder-institut.de)

Application Procedure
Please submit your application by email as a single PDF file no later than 24 July 2026 to the Administration Office of the Herder Institute, attention Katja Bugatti (bewerbung@herder-institut.de), quoting the reference: “Application_Opt3D_2026”
To help ensure a fair and non-discriminatory recruitment process, applicants are kindly requested not to include a photograph with their application.