PhD Position in Computational Design and Digital Fabrication of High-Performance Timber Plate Structures (Male/Female)

PhD Position: Computational Design and Digital Fabrication of High-Performance Timber Plate Structures

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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. Our infrastructure includes the Robotic Fabrication Laboratory (RFL), a unique digital construction environment that facilitates world-class research in robotic fabrication within architecture and construction.

The Chair of Timber Structures is dedicated to advancing education and research in timber engineering through the Program for Excellence in Timber Engineering, equipping the next generation of structural engineers 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 an interdisciplinary research project titled "Connecting Physical Engineering and Digital Design: Enabling High-Performance Timber Plate Structures through Simplified Connections and Planning Processes." This initiative 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).

Job Description

• The objective of this PhD position is to investigate methods and techniques for the planning, fabrication, and construction of timber plate structures, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.
• The project will involve team-based and open-source software development to create planning automation tools and facilitate 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 possess a very good architectural or advanced technical degree, corresponding to the FHEQ-Level 7.
• Strong programming skills (preferably in Python), with multiple years of programming experience and a profound knowledge of professional computer-aided design and 3D modeling are expected.
• Experience in CAD/CAM (preferably McNeel Rhinoceros) and/or robotic fabrication, along with strong analytical and mathematical skills, is essential.
• Previous experience in timber construction or structural engineering will be advantageous.
• Fluent English language skills are required; German proficiency is not necessary but will be beneficial.
• You are reliable, motivated, capable of working independently, and possess excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Workplace

Join us at ETH Zurich, a world-renowned academic institution that fosters an inclusive and dynamic research environment.

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.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in the Robotic Fabrication Lab.
• 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.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and nurturing a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. We are committed to sustainability and consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV
• Architecture Portfolio showcasing computational design experience
• Electronic copies of your academic diplomas and certificates
• Contact details from at least 2 referees, with at least 1 uploaded reference letter

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The applications will be reviewed starting immediately, with an intended start date of April 1, 2026.

For further information, please visit the websites of Gramazio Kohler Research and the Chair of Timber Structures. Questions regarding the position should be directed by email to Dr. Oliver Bucklin (bucklin@arch.ethz.ch).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university a place that fosters independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while forging connections globally, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.