Scientific Assistant / Scientific Assistantess

Position Available: Scientific Assistant

The Chair of Landscape Architecture and Geohistorical Practice, led by Assist. Professor Aisling O’Carroll, at the Department of Architecture, 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.

About the Chair

The Chair is actively engaged in research and teaching activities related to the Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MScLA) program. We pioneer interdisciplinary design and historical theory research within landscape architecture. Through geohistorical practice, we integrate tools from both the natural sciences and humanities, alongside designer methodologies, to create proposals that engage a broad range of stakeholders and address pressing climate challenges. Our research intertwines landscape architectural design with expanded histories and theoretical considerations, developing innovative methodologies that incorporate digital sensing, drawing, modeling, archival studies, and design practices for interpreting and adapting to landscapes transformed by climate change.

Teaching Responsibilities

A significant aspect of our teaching revolves around delivering the advanced design studio for second-year MScLA students. In this studio, students work on large-scale landscape architecture proposals facilitated by directed research and iterative design studies. The studio methods encompass fieldwork, archival research, and diverse design techniques, motivating students to address dynamic and evolving landscapes by appreciating their human and non-human histories in relation to current and future trajectories.

Position Details

We are looking for scientific assistants (40-80%) to contribute to both research activities and the teaching of the MSc Landscape Architecture advanced design studio. Each task constitutes a 40% role, allowing candidates to apply for either role specifically or both roles combined for a total of 80%.

Your Tasks

• Research (40%):
  • Collaborate closely with researchers within the chair and other groups for investigations and public dissemination of work.
  • Receive constructive direction for research development while contributing independent ideas and motivation.
  • Conduct original research involving fieldwork, archival studies, and design projects.
  • Assist in project management and timeline coordination.
  • Develop connections and collaborations with interdisciplinary researchers and public institutions.
  • Contribute to collaborative paper writing and publish findings in peer-reviewed venues.
  • Create public-facing exhibitions and installations to communicate research outcomes.
• Teaching (40%):
  • Prepare materials and documents for the design studio.
  • Organize and conduct the design studio.
  • Guide students in project development during desk critiques.
  • Evaluate and grade student projects.
  • Deliver short lectures during the studio.
  • Organize and facilitate studio field trips.
  • Coordinate with other modules taught by the chair.

Candidate Profile

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a passion for contributing to long-term research that shapes the future of landscape architecture. You should possess:

• Experience in both research and teaching.
• A strong curiosity for the natural sciences and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work.
• Knowledge of research-driven methodologies integrating conceptual thinking, experimentation, and design.
• Design experience in landscape architecture, ideally with a master’s degree in architecture or landscape architecture.
• The ability to teach and conduct research in English, as the design studios are held in English; knowledge of German is a plus for collaboration with local partners.
• Desirable experience working in a landscape architecture office to better support students in their projects.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Johanna Just at just@arch.ethz.ch.