PhD Student (m/f/d) in large-scale 3D-printing for architecture

The Digital Building Technologies group (DBT) at the Institute of Technology in Architecture (ITA), Department of Architecture (D-ARCH), is looking for a Ph.D. student in the area of large-scale additive manufacturing for architecture.

You will work on the “Digital Process Chain for Hollow Core Extrusion” project in collaboration with the Computational Design Lab (CDL) of Prof. Bernd Bickel.

Thermoplastic extrusion 3D printing in large dimensions offers unique opportunities to manufacture geometrically complex and bespoke building elements for sustainable construction. The project investigates the extrusion of hollow profiles (HC3DP). The main challenge of HC3DP lies in controlling the deposition. To guarantee the structural integrity of the final part, it is essential to optimize many material factors and printing parameters. The project investigates aspects like nozzle design, closed-loop feedback, optimal toolpath prediction and computational design for fabrication.

You will lead the project’s work package around hardware and process development for HC3DP. Different nozzle designs and extrusion profiles can tremendously affect the printed result and are investigated as a parameter to precisely control a range of hollow core layered and even spatial extrusions. Furthermore, you will collaborate with the Ph.D. student of the CDL group and the postdocs, on closed-loop control systems with machine learning, and design for fabrication workflows.

In addition to conducting their research, Ph.D. students at ITA get the opportunity to teach the bachelor in architecture, offering master's thesis to the MIBS and the MAS dfab students.

You want to support us with your expertise in:

• A master’s degree in architecture and/or a related discipline
• A strong interest and prior experience in computational design, digital fabrication, or robotics
• Previous experience in academic research
• Passion for hands-on, real-world application and full-scale prototyping in addition to theoretical work

We are looking for highly motivated, committed, and creative individuals who are able to work in a team and with excellent communication skills. Working in a top-level research environment with advanced laboratory infrastructure, you will have a unique opportunity to develop your research abilities.

In our international environment, you can easily communicate verbally and in writing with the help of your English skills.

Candidates who do not possess all the listed skills are also encouraged to apply.

The practical fabrication part of the research will take place in the robotic fabrication laboratory (RFL), an internationally renowned state-of-the-art facility.

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.

From childcare to car sharing – there is a range of offers and benefits available to ETH Zurich employees, which are designed to make their work and life easier. (more information here)

The DBT group is a large international team of architects, engineers, artists, and designers, reflecting many interests, countries, and cultures. We are looking forward to welcoming you!