Design++ Postdoctoral Fellowship in Zürich

 is the new Center for Augmented Computational Design in Architecture, Engineering and Construction at ETH Zurich. The vision of the center is to create novel solutions to address pressing sustainability challenges while pushing construction productivity and striving for high-quality built environmental spaces. In Design++, we see that the path to such a future within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is via innovation in computational methods, artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR). To achieve this, Design++ supports collaborative, cross-departmental research activities and industry exchange.

The Design++ postdoctoral fellowship program is expected to develop a strong emphasis on innovation in augmented computational design in the AEC industry. This fellowship program aims to support talented researchers in bringing promising technologies and solutions further into development with an emphasis on commercialization. The intention is to help fill an implementation gap for promising technology and solutions which promote resource efficiency, circularity, integrated planning processes and to reduce carbon emissions in the AEC industry. Research topics include, but are not limited to the following:

• Establishing innovative methods or digital tools (for example based on AI, machine learning, XR) for the full value chain from design to fabrication for new construction or renovation projects
• Advancing XR and Robotics to support planning, construction, prefabrication, and renovation
• Creating methods for augmenting/automating building information modeling (BIM), to bridge the gap between construction and operation
• Developing data-driven digital planning to advance innovation for facades and building skins, construction and structures, interiors, and/or building services

The primary responsibility of the Postdoctoral researcher is to lead the research agenda outlined in their proposal within the two-year fellowship. You are expected to provide a short annual report of the progress of your research project to Design++ (in the respective 12th and 22nd month of employment). You are also expected to actively participate and support the planning of industry exchanges to promote knowledge transfer in the AEC industry. Other obligations such as teaching, defined by the fellow’s hosting professors should also be fulfilled. 

Together with other Design++ affiliated researchers and staff, you are expected to join and support scientific exchanges, social events and participate in other Design++ activities such as workshops, summer/winter schools, conferences, etc. 

We are looking for highly motivated fellows who demonstrate scientific excellence and who have an innovative research proposal within one of the above outlined topics. The selection criteria include:

• previous performance, publication record, and potential awards
• track record relative to opportunities and career stage
• competence in the proposed research area
• uniqueness and scientific quality of the research proposal
• fit of the Design++ postdoctoral fellowship with the career goals of the applicant
• the compatibility of the research proposal with the vision of Design++
• intended contributions to the center’s goals of knowledge transfer with industry and scientific exchange

Eligibility Criteria: At the time of the submission deadline, candidates must hold or plan to complete their doctorate (PhD) within four months of the submission deadline. The doctorate may be in architecture, civil engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, material science, or other relevant fields to the proposed research project. Applicants must have obtained their doctorate a maximum of six years prior to the submission deadline. The decisive date is the date of the oral examination or defense.

At Design++, we offer a modern, dynamic, multidisciplinary and international work environment. You will be embedded within Design++ and therefore have access to the network of experts across ETH, the world leading Immersive Design Lab, state-of-the-art XR equipment, and will join a growing cohort of motivated and talented researchers. 

The duration of the Design++ postdoctoral fellowship is two years. Fellows will be employed and paid according to the standard regulations of ETH Zurich. The Design++ fellowship covers 75% of your salary and social costs, the remaining 25% should be covered by two hosting ETH professors over the two-year fellowship. Additional funds are available for each fellow for potential additional research expenses during the two-year fellowship (e.g., consumables, equipment, personnel, travel).