PhD Position: Computational Design and Digital Fabrication of high-performance timber plate structures
Gramazio Kohler Research, the Chair of Architecture and Digital Fabrication at the Institute of Technology in Architecture operates at the forefront of architectural design and production enabled through digital manufacturing techniques. To our infrastructure belongs the Robotic Fabrication Laboratory (RFL), a unique digital construction environment, which allows for world class research in the field of robotic fabrication in architecture and construction.
The Chair of Timber Structures advances education and research in timber engineering through the Program for Excellence in Timber Engineering. The Chair educates the next generation of structural engineers, equipping them with deep technical knowledge and top-level competencies in the use of timber as a high-quality building material, contributing to the sustainable development of the built environment.
Project background
This PhD position is part of the interdisciplinary project “Connecting physical engineering and digital design: Enabling high-performance timber plate structures through simplified connections and planning processes”. The project is a collaboration between Gramazio Kohler Research (Chair for Architecture and Digital Fabrication) at ETH Zurich and the Chair for Timber Structures (Prof. Dr. Andrea Frangi).
* The objective of this PhD position is to investigate methods and techniques for the planning, fabrication and construction of timber plate structures, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.
* The project will involve team-based, open-source software development to build planning automation tools and digital information exchange between AEC disciplines.
* Specific topics of investigation may include computational design, timber construction, CNC fabrication, robotic assembly, plate structures, semantic data models, finite element analysis, and plugin development.
* The PhD position (full-time) will span 4 years of research and is funded according to standard SNSF regulations.
Profile
* You have a very good architectural or advanced technical degree, corresponding to the FHEQ-Level 7.
* We expect strong programming skills (preferably Python), multiple years of programming experience as well as profound knowledge of professional computer-aided design and 3D modelling.
* In addition, you have experience in CAD/CAM (preferably McNeel Rhinoceros) and/or robotic fabrication, as well as strong analytical and mathematical skills.
* Previous experience in timber construction or structural engineering will be beneficial.
* Fluent English language skills are required for this position, German fluency is not required but will be beneficial.
* You should be reliable, motivated and be able to work independently while also having excellent teamwork and communication skills.
We offer
We are proud to cultivate an exciting and inclusive culture of excellence in research. We offer the following:
* Opportunity to conduct research at a world-renowned academic institution.
* Collaborative exchange with researchers from other technical disciplines.
* A lively and engaging community of researchers and educators.
* Professional development and networking through collaboration with industry partners.
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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
* Letter of motivation
* CV
* Electronic copies of your academic diplomas and certificates
* Contact details from at least 2 referees, with at least 1 uploaded reference letter
The applications will be reviewed starting immediately with an intended start date of April 1, 2026.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
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.
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