University: ETH Zurich
Country: Switzerland
Deadline: 2024-09-05
Fields: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Material Science, Environmental Systems
How can your research help transform cities into thriving ecosystems that support both people and biodiversity? If you are passionate about sustainable urban development and eager to contribute to the future of regenerative materials in city environments, this PhD opportunity at ETH Zurich could be your gateway to making a tangible impact on the built environment and urban biodiversity.
About The University Or Research Institute
ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, is internationally renowned for its excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Located in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a global center for innovation, ETH Zurich consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide. The institution is celebrated for its pioneering research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a vibrant academic community that attracts students and scholars from around the globe. ETH Zurich’s commitment to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion makes it a prime destination for those looking to engage in cutting-edge research that addresses pressing global challenges. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, a multicultural environment, and close ties with leading industry and academic partners. Switzerland itself offers a high quality of life, outstanding public infrastructure, and a strong culture of research and innovation, providing an ideal setting for academic and professional growth.
Research Topic and Significance
The advertised PhD position is embedded in the SNF-funded National Research Programme NRP82 project “NewUrbES – Co-creating New Urban Living Spaces for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.” The project seeks to radically rethink how buildings and cities can function as active ecosystems, supporting both human and non-human life. Urban areas are rapidly expanding, often at the expense of local ecosystems and biodiversity. By integrating ecological principles into architecture, planning, and material science, this research aims to transform the built environment into regenerative spaces that foster biodiversity and ecosystem services. The significance of this work lies in its potential to influence urban policy, design, and construction practices, ensuring that future cities are not only habitable for people but also beneficial to the broader natural environment.
Project Details
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The PhD student will join the Chair of Sustainable Construction at ETH Zurich and focus on the material dimension of biodiversity-oriented design. The research is part of a consortium led by Adrienne Gret Regamey (ETH Zurich, Institute for Spatial and Landscape Planning), Christoph Küffer (OST University of Applied Sciences), Maria Connen (ETH Zurich, Professor for Architecture and Housing), and Guillaume Habert (ETH Zurich, main supervisor and head of Institute for Infrastructure and Construction Management). The project collaborates closely with Stiftung Natur & Wirtschaft, a leading organization in practical biodiversity solutions, and is part of the broader NRP82 program, which addresses challenges and opportunities in biodiversity and ecosystem services across Switzerland.
The doctoral researcher will contribute to three interconnected research tasks:
Biodiversity Footprint Assessment:
– Evaluate the biodiversity impacts of conventional and alternative construction materials across their life cycle.
– Develop a hybrid LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) method that maps global supply chains and quantifies biodiversity loss associated with sector activities.
– Apply these methods to building materials commonly used in Switzerland.
Ecosystem Services Evaluation:
– Assess the capacity of construction materials and design strategies to enhance urban ecosystem services such as habitat provision, water retention, microclimate regulation, and pollination.
Regenerative Material Prototyping:
– Translate ecosystem and biodiversity requirements into material performance criteria.
– Revisit and innovate upon existing building materials to propose solutions for various construction functions.
– Experimentally test nature-based and regenerative materials that promote biodiversity.
The findings from these tasks will be synthesized through stakeholder focus groups to develop key performance indicators, ensuring practical applicability across disciplines such as architecture, urban planning, and construction.
Candidate Profile
Ideal candidates for this position will possess the following qualifications and attributes:
– Master’s degree in civil/environmental engineering, ecology, material science, environmental systems, or a closely related field.
– Strong motivation to work on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and sustainable materials for the built environment.
– Prior experience with life cycle assessment (LCA), Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) analysis, or ecosystem modeling is highly advantageous.
– Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of French and/or German is desirable due to stakeholder engagement across Switzerland.
– Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research settings, collaborating with both academic and practice-based partners.
– Integrity, authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to excellence in research.
Application Process
Application Deadline: 2024-09-05
Online interviews: Mid-September
Expected Start Date: November 1st (to be discussed with selected candidates)
To Apply, Please Submit The Following Documents
– A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
– Curriculum Vitae (CV)
– A writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis)
Apply here: https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_Rk4EGHS16bwgVFGoQG
Conclusion
This PhD position at ETH Zurich offers a unique opportunity for motivated researchers to contribute to the transformation of urban environments for the benefit of both people and biodiversity. As part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary consortium, you will help drive innovative research that shapes policy and practical solutions for sustainable urban living. If you are committed to advancing the field of regenerative materials and urban ecosystem services, we encourage you to apply and take the next step in your academic career.
For more information and to apply, visit the official job posting linked above.
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