Post Doctoral Researcher – Gramazio Kohler Research / NCCR Digital Fabrication in Zürich

Gramazio Kohler Research – The Chair of Architecture and Digital Fabrication at the Department of Architecture – invites applications for a Post Doctoral Researcher to lead the group´s research in Digital Timber Construction. The Chair is engaged with the development of technologies in the field of computational design and novel construction processes using robotics and augmented reality. The research is conducted within the interdisciplinary National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication. The position starts in April 2023 or as agreed.

We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate who will implement a computational design environment that is geared towards coupling advanced computational design techniques with bespoke digital prefabrication processes. The computational design environment will include common design and fabrication libraries, and it will be open to computational customisation and to the application of automated or integrated human-machine collaborative fabrication systems. We expect excellent programming skills (Python, Grasshopper, Rhino), experience in robotic planning  and ideally exposure to sensing and AR technologies. You should feel confident in leading a small team of young researchers, be fluent in English and German, demonstrate a high level of initiative and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research team. The exploration and development strongly focuses on real-world applications, and builds upon the direct collaboration with on-going research of the Gramazio Kohler Research group as well as with interdisciplinary partners from the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication.

The candidate should have a doctoral degree in architecture or related fields with a specialization in computational design and/or digital fabrication. As such, we expect programming experience (Python) as well as analytical skills. Professional exposure to contemporary timber construction in architecture is required. Further, the candidate has skills in interface design and simulations (e.g. structural, environmental, fabrication). The candidate will be responsible for the consultation and supervision of doctoral students in the field of Digital Timber Construction at the chair. The candidate is highly motivated, reliable, accurate, and has a high level of initiative as well as excellent teamwork skills.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.