Design++ Postdoctoral Fellowship

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Design++ is the Center for Augmented Computational Design in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) at ETH Zurich. The center’s vision is to remove collaboration barriers in AEC and urban planning to address pressing sustainability challenges, boost productivity and simultaneously deliver high quality spaces. This is achieved through innovation in computational methods, artificial intelligence (AI), and extended reality (XR). Design++ fosters cross-departmental research, education, and industry collaboration to drive transformative change in the built environment.

Project background

We developed the Design++ postdoctoral fellowship program to provide an opportunity for talented researchers who are interested in bringing promising technologies and solutions further into development in urban planning and AEC. The scope may include planning, construction, operation or an approach for better integration. Proposed projects should promote resource efficiency, reduce embodied carbon emissions and promote circular economy.

We invite candidates to propose research projects that focus on developing innovative methods, digital tools and advanced computational models - leveraging AI, machine learning, XR, robotics or other technologies - to enhance processes across the entire value chain of new construction or renovation projects. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Data-driven planning for urban development, structural design, facades and building skins, and building services.
• Information management and digital workflows on the construction site and across project phases, enabling seamless data transfer between the office and the construction site, with a focus on visualization, visual analytics, explainable ML/AI or Large Language Models.
• Integrated and continuous information management throughout the entire project life cycle, fostering greater data transparency and improving collaboration across project phases and stakeholders, while enhancing productivity and decision-making.

Job description

The primary responsibility of the Postdoctoral researcher is to lead the research agenda outlined in their proposal within the two-year fellowship. The fellow is expected to provide a short annual report of the progress of their research project to Design++ (in the respective 10th and 22nd month of employment). As a fellow, 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 and should not be more than 25% of the candidate’s workload.

Together with other Design++ affiliated researchers and staff, the postdoctoral fellows are responsible for supporting the organization of scientific exchanges, social events and participate in other Design++ activities such as workshops, summer/winter schools, conferences, etc..

Profile

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 may include:

• competence for the proposed research area
• novelty and scientific quality of the research proposal
• track record relative to opportunities and career stage (publications, awards, etc.)
• relevant industry experience
• fit of the Design++ postdoctoral fellowship with the career goals of the applicant
• the compatibility of the research proposal with the vision of Design++ and the center’s goal 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 have preferably 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.

Workplace

We offer

At Design++, we offer a modern, dynamic, multidisciplinary and international working environment. You will be embedded within Design++ and therefore have access to the network of experts across ETH, the world leading Immersive Design Lab (IDL), Large-scale Virtualization and Modelling Lab (IVML), 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.

We value diversity

Curious? So are we.

Application Process: Calls for applications will be published once per year. One fellow will be selected per year for a two-year fellowship position. Applications are encouraged from candidates with a keen interest in advancing their research, validating the concept for market entrance, proposing new business models, or demonstrating a new process around the proposed research topics in urban planning, architecture, engineering, and construction. Applications must be submitted through the ETH job portal and should include:

• a detailed CV including a list of publications and awards
• transcripts of certificates (Doctorate, Master’s degree, other degrees)
• a research statement (1-2 pages) outlining the intended research proposal, potential for commercialization, research fit with the two proposed ETH mentors, and any intended collaborators
• a statement (1 page) outlining motivation, experience, research interests, and career goals
• 2 letters of recommendation from prior advisors, supervisors or mentors.
• (optional) a signed letter from one or both hosting faculty mentors

Applications must identify two ETH faculty from two different departments who could act as fellowship mentors. At least one of the two professors must be a Design++ Faculty Network member. The two ETH mentors will act as host professors for the duration of the fellowship. They will need to agree to the following:

• jointly provide 25% of the salary and social costs of the fellow between the two professorships. This amount is considered either as a contribution to the project or to activities of the host professorship(s), for example in terms of teaching and/or mentoring.
• Integrate the fellow in both research groups.
• Provide the fellow with a main workplace and access to the infrastructure required to successfully complete the proposed research work during the two-year fellowship.
• Confirm that their position at ETH lasts for the duration of the fellowship.

The evaluation consists of two steps. First, written applications will be evaluated by the selection committee, the results of which will be communicated to the applicants within one month after the submission deadline. Candidates whose applications pass the first step will be invited to an interview (virtual or on-site). Week-by-week overview of the evaluation process for 2025

• April 1: Call opens
• May 31: Applications due
• Beginning of July: Decision on candidate short-list and invitation to those candidates for an interview
• End of July: Virtual or on-site interviews in Zurich
• Beginning of August: Decision announcement for selected fellow; notify all applicants and corresponding host faculty via e-mail
• Beginning of September: Earliest start of fellowship, offer is valid for four months

Further information about Design++ can be found on the website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Danielle Griego, Tel 0041 (0)44 632 52 32, or email E-Mail schreiben (no applications).

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.