Post-Doc “Use of bio-based material for climate neutral buildings” in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Chair of Sustainable Construction at ETH Zurich intends to ground sustainability in the disciplines of the built environment. We want to foster collaboration among the different stakeholders involved in architecture, engineering and construction and promote appropriate application of sustainable materials during the entire life cycle of buildings and infrastructure. More specifically, our research involves interdisciplinary works and draws on Life Cycle Assessment, urban metabolism and material science.

The climate crisis is urging us to act fast. Buildings are a key leverage point to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the embodied emissions related to their construction often remain the hidden challenge of any ambitious policy. The use of biobased material allows to temporary store carbon in the buildings and to regulate indoor thermal and hygrometry values. Despite their numerous advantages, their use in current construction is still limited. We seek to strengthen our team in this field to widen the implementation of such materials in construction.

The chair of Sustainable Construction has developed an expertise in clay based materials with the use of rheology, chemistry and mineralogy methods. The aim is to extend the palette of materials and include biobased materials. Research projects are related with material development for insulation, water transfer and pollutant absorption. Expected work can involve experiments and numerical modelling.

The successful candidate will be involved with the current project in the team working on the development of hemp-based products using geopolymers and mycelium binders, and calculating LCA of climate neutral constructive elements. It is expected that the candidate quickly applies for research funding through the Swiss National Science Foundation, industry partnership, or EU projects. The candidate will also take part in teaching with a master course on Materials and Construction dealing with the implementation of bio-based insulation materials. The offered position is a one-year contract that can be renewed every year for up to 6 years if successful future projects are acquired and with the common agreement between the head of the group and the candidate.

We are offering to work on an exciting project carried out in an interdisciplinary environment with civil engineers, material and environmental scientists and architects. The Chair of Sustainable Construction is an interdisciplinary group of 15 people that welcomes home office on regular basis.

We welcome highly motivated applicants with PhD in civil or environmental engineering, material science, architecture or similar disciplines. The ideal candidate would have an expertise in material optimization for thermal and hygrometric transfer with bio-based materials associated with a good understanding of Life Cycle Assessment and carbon accounting.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.