2 Doctoral Fellowships in Architecture and Technology

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Architecture & Technology (A&T) Doctoral Programme is looking for exceptional candidates to join our group of 50+ international doctoral students. We are offering two paid, full-time (100%), 3.5-year doctoral fellowships to start on October 1, 2025.

Since its inauguration, 31 scholars have been granted an A&T Fellowship. Graduates of the programme have successfully obtained academic positions at leading research institutions worldwide and high-level positions in the industry.

The programme provides funding for three and a half years. It offers excellent working conditions and a unique research infrastructure. You will be employed full-time and receive monthly salaries based on a standard rate.

Please find the detailed information about the doctorate at ETH Zurich in the AVETH survival guide.

Project background

About the Programme

The A&T Doctoral Programme is ETH Zurich’s interdisciplinary educational platform committed to training scholars in research and teaching of technology in architecture. The programme is offered and managed collaboratively by the chairs of the Institute of Technology in Architecture (ITA). The work of the ITA chairs assimilates many diverse aspects of employing science, technology and engineering in architecture, including computational design of buildings and structures, building processes and systems, digital and robotic construction and fabrication, and many others. For more information about our institute, please consult the ITA website, and check out the ten years of ITA video.

The following professorships are currently involved in the A&T doctoral programme:

You will join one of the above professorships under the respective professor/mentor. Hence, we expect you to choose one professorship most suitable for realising their research proposal and explicitly indicate this in your application packages. Although the selected applicant will be primarily associated with the chosen professorship, the interdisciplinary character of the programme ensures the involvement of other parties during the studies. For example, one of the milestones of this doctoral programme is the Aptitude Colloquium, in which doctoral students defend their research plan before all ITA professors and researchers. Our work takes place in the Arch_Tec_Lab, a high-tech zero-emissions building designed and developed by ITA.

Job description

We are looking for excellent people whose work demonstrates productive synergies between architecture and technology. We welcome architects with a solid technical, engineering or scientific background or interests and engineers/scientists whose work relates to architecture. We advise the applicants to thoroughly consult the ITA professorships’ websites before applying to ensure their research interests are compatible.

Profile

You must hold a Master’s degree acquired at the university level in architecture, engineering or related fields (e.g., MSc, MEng or MArch). Upon successful admission, depending on the your academic background, the ETH administration office will evaluate if you need to take any additional exams at ETH during your first year of studies.

English is the official language, and we assume you are proficient in this language. We do not formally require English language certificates as a part of the application package.

Workplace

We offer

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.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with only the following four documents, each a single file in PDF format:

1) Cover Letter (1 page max, submitted as pdf file, named: lastname_firstname_Cover Letter.pdf), stating:

the applicant’s career plans
reasons for pursuing a doctorate in Architecture & Technology at ETH Zurich
arguments why they would be the right candidate
the relevance of their background/past experiences in pursuing a doctorate
under which ITA professorship they wish to conduct their studies (only one please)

2) CV (3 page max, submitted as pdf file, named: lastname_firstname_Short CV.pdf), outlining:

the applicant's academic/professional progression
academic/professional achievements
clearly articulated set of competencies and skills (relevant to the job)
list of awards, publications, and/or other notable milestones

details of 3 referees (their name, professional title, organisation, email address)

3) Recommendation Letters

Each candidate must provide details of 3 referees whom we can contact for a reference. Please make sure that you add your referee details to your CV. References will be sought for all short-listed candidates.

4) Portfolio (12 pages max, submitted as pdf file, named: lastname_firstname_Portfolio.pdf), to include:

images/graphic content illustrating projects relevant to the job
short descriptions of the projects included

5) Research Statement (3 pages max, submitted as pdf file, named: lastname_firstname_Research Statement.pdf), to include:

the identification of the principal research field(s) or topic(s) of interest
an outline and a summary of the research proposal

Please do not attach any additional documents, especially passport/ID scans, school records and letters of recommendation (they are handled separately).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

When uploading requested documents choose the following attachment types:

For a cover letter, select "Cover Letter"
For a curriculum vitae, select "CV"
For a research statement, select "Other" and add the comment "Research Statement" (without quotes)
For a portfolio of work samples, select "Application Package"

Recommendation letters

Each candidate needs to be supported by three referees for the application. In support of the application, three referees should send their recommendation letters by e-mail to ita-phd-fellowship@arch.ethz.ch. Please ensure that your referees email in their letters no later than 2 days from your application submission date. Applications without recommendation letters will not be considered.

Timeline

The submission deadline for both application package and recommendation letters is January 31, 2025. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. The timeline is as follows:

Until January 31, 2025: Applicants should submit their application package. After the initial screening, the eligible application packages are forwarded to the corresponding professorships. After internal assessments and interviews, each professorship may select their candidate for the shortlist.
Mid-March 2025: The shortlisted applicants are invited for an online interview with all participating professors.
Latest by April 1, 2025: The applicants are notified about the outcome of the application process.

Questions

Further information about our institute can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Ms Ewa Maciejewski via email ita-phd-fellowship@arch.ethz.ch.

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

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.