Scientific Assistant / Scientific Assistantess

Scientific Assistant (Teaching and Research) Specializing in Landscape Architectural Design

40%-80%, Zurich, Fixed-Term

The Chair of Landscape Architecture and Geohistorical Practice (Assist. Professor Aisling O-Carroll) at the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated scientific assistant to support the research and teaching activities of the chair. The position is fixed-term for nine months, running until the end of February 2027, with the possibility of extension.

Project Background

The Chair of Landscape Architecture and Geohistorical Practice, led by Assist. Prof. Aisling O-Carroll, is engaged in the research and teaching activities of the Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MScLA) program. The Chair develops uniquely interdisciplinary design, as well as history and theory research for landscape architecture. Through geohistorical practice, we integrate tools from both natural sciences and humanities with those of design to create proposals that involve a diverse range of stakeholders and address urgent climate challenges. Our research activities bridge landscape architectural design with expanded considerations of history and theory, developing methodologies that integrate digital sensing, drawing and modeling, archival research, and design practice for reading and adapting to landscapes transforming under climate change.

In addition to research, one of the major teaching responsibilities is to deliver the MScLA second-year advanced design studio. In this studio, students develop large-scale landscape architectural proposals through directed research and iterative design studies. The studio methods include fieldwork, archival and historical study, as well as both digital and analogue design methods. Students are challenged to engage with dynamic and transforming landscapes by considering their histories—both human and non-human—in relation to their current and future trajectories. This second-year design studio is conducted during the autumn semester, while the spring semester focuses on preparation and research. Typically, there will be around 20 students per semester.

The ETH Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MScLA) is embedded within the Department of Architecture (D-ARCH), one of the most highly-regarded faculties of architecture globally. Its esteemed status is attributed to the high quality of teaching and outstanding research results. The program prepares a new generation of landscape architects to respond to increasingly complex situations and unforeseen phenomena. By centering observation, experimentation, and synthetic thinking, it equips students to imagine creative and sustainable solutions at the city and landscape scale.

Job Description

We are looking for scientific assistants (40-80%) to support the team through research activities and teaching in the MSc Landscape Architecture advanced design studio. Each role—teaching and research—individually constitutes a 40% position. Candidates may apply for one of the roles specifically (40%) or both (80%). Your tasks will include:

Research (40%):

• Work closely with researchers within the chair and other groups to develop investigations and disseminate public work.
• Follow constructive direction and guidance for research development while bringing independent ideas and motivation to your work.
• Conduct original research that involves fieldwork, archival research, and design studies.
• Contribute to project management and timelines.
• Establish contacts and collaborations with other interdisciplinary researchers and public institutions.
• Contribute to collaborative paper writing and publish results in peer-reviewed venues.
• Develop public-facing exhibitions and installations to communicate research findings.

Teaching (40%):

• Prepare materials and documents for the design studio.
• Organize and run the design studio.
• Support students in developing their projects during desk critiques.
• Evaluate and grade student projects.
• Deliver short input lectures for the studio.
• Organize and run the studio field trip.
• Coordinate with other related modules taught by the chair.

As a teaching assistant at the chair, you are expected to teach a combination of landscape architectural design and research. It is essential to understand students' ideas and assist them in further developing their projects. Required knowledge includes:

• Landscape historical research.
• A range of design methods and 2D, 3D, and time-based representational tools (both analogue and digital) to guide students in developing proposals and communicating ideas iteratively.
• Experience with fieldwork.

Additionally, familiarity with research and research-based thinking will enable you to assist students in discovering innovative solutions for design problems. Studio days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

This scientific assistant position(s) (teaching and research) is fixed-term, with the possibility of extension, and a tentative start date of June 1, 2026.

Profile

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a keen interest in contributing to long-term research aimed at shaping future landscape architecture practice. You must possess:

• Experience in research and teaching.
• A strong curiosity for the natural sciences and an interest in interdisciplinary work.
• Interest in research-driven work that combines conceptual thinking, experimentation, and making.
• Design experience in landscape architecture, with a master's degree in architecture or landscape architecture.
• The ability to teach and research in English, as the design studios are conducted in English. Knowledge of German is desirable for research and collaboration with local partners.
• Working experience in a landscape architecture office is advantageous to support students in developing their projects.

Workplace

ETH Zurich fosters a collaborative working environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Here, you can contribute to critical disciplinary research questions at a world-renowned academic institution and connect with a vibrant international community of researchers and educators.

We Offer

• Personal and professional development through part-time research and teaching that actively contribute to positive societal change.
• A collaborative working environment where you can engage in relevant disciplinary research.
• An intellectually open atmosphere that encourages experimentation, reflection, and innovation.
• Opportunities to build interdisciplinary collaborations and network connections through both research and teaching activities.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

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 where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and thrive. Sustainability is a core principle for us, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below, written in English, including the following documents:

• Motivation letter stating clearly the role and percentage you are applying for: research assistant (40%), teaching assistant (40%), or combined research and teaching positions (80%) (1 page).
• Curriculum Vitae (5 pages max.).
• Portfolio, including research and teaching samples (20 pages max.).
• Contact information for two references, with at least one being academic if possible.

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a hub for independent thought and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe yet forging connections globally, we are committed to developing solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.