Postdoctoral Position at the Chair of Structural Design

The new Chair of Structural Design at the department of architecture is seeking a highly motivated and qualified postdoctoral researcher to help building up the research group. The role requires specifically high competencies in leadership and grant application. We offer a friendly and professional working environment and are inviting applications for the Postdoc position further described below. 

The position is focused on building up a research group in the field of sustainable structural design. The research focusses on three main areas:

• Use of sustainable materials (low-carb, biobased, earth-based, regenerative, reclaimed, ...) for structural purposes
• Reducing the amount of material needed for a specific structure by parametrization, optimization, digital fabrication etc.
• Working with the existing building stock as well as reuse of components and materials

The position involves writing of grant applications both in Switzerland and the EU, setting up a research environment for the chair and guiding PhD students working on the projects:

• Define research projects and secure third-party funding
• Write grant applications
• Get the funded projects started and manage them
• Active participation in research activities, including publishing scientific papers and presenting findings at conferences and workshops
• Supervision of and collaboration with PhD students working on the funded projects
• Supervision of Master, and/or Bachelor students
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across ETH Zurich and with international partners to advance project goals

• PhD in structural engineering, environmental engineering or material sciences with a focus on sustainable construction
• Strong expertise in structural design of 20th century Europe and/or parametrical design and digital fabrication
• Strong expertise in construction materials of 20th century Europe as well as sustainable materials including their life-cycle assessment
• Understanding of the construction industry
• Strong general research skills and independent research ability
• Proven experience in scientific grant application, proven knowledge of the Swiss and European funding systems, with a thorough understanding of financial and administrative processes
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively, while also fostering interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required, additional German language skills would be highly appreciated
• Ability to work in a team and together with industry partners
• Take initiative, be results-oriented, organized, and creative

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:

• Opportunity to work in a world-leading academic institution with state-of-the-art facilities
• Access to collaborative projects with academic and industrial partners across Europe
• A supportive environment that fosters professional growth and development
• Competitive salary and benefits according to ETH Zurich standards
• A vibrant workplace in the heart of Zurich with a strong emphasis on work-life balance

The position is full-time (100%, 80% upon request possible) and is offered on a fixed-term basis. The initial contract duration is 1 year, with a possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance evaluation.