Scientific Assistant / Scientific Assistantess

Job Opportunity: Scientific Assistant at the Chair of Landscape Architecture and Geohistorical Practice

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 its research and teaching activities. This is a fixed-term position for nine months, concluding at the end of February 2027, with the possibility of extension.

About the Chair

The Chair is actively engaged in research and teaching within the Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MScLA) program. It fosters an interdisciplinary approach, combining design with history and theory to develop innovative solutions for landscape architecture. By integrating tools from the natural sciences and humanities, we aim to address pressing climate challenges through geohistorical practice.

The Chair's research seamlessly connects landscape architectural design with expanded considerations of history and theory. We develop methodologies that incorporate digital sensing, drawing, modeling, archival research, and practical design to understand and adapt landscapes undergoing transformation due to climate change.

Teaching Responsibilities

A significant component of our teaching involves delivering the MScLA second-year advanced design studio. In this studio, students engage in large-scale landscape architectural proposals driven by directed research and iterative design studies. The studio employs a blend of fieldwork, archival research, and both digital and analog design methods, encouraging students to contemplate dynamic landscapes through the lens of their historical and potential future contexts.

This studio is held during the autumn semester, and the spring semester focuses on preparation and research, typically accommodating around 20 students each semester.

Position Overview

We are currently looking for a scientific assistant(s) (40-80%) to support the team in research activities and teaching the MSc Landscape Architecture advanced design studio. Each task, whether teaching or research, constitutes a 40% role. Candidates may apply for one specific role or both combined, resulting in an 80% position. Your tasks will include:

• Research (40%):
  • Collaborate with researchers in various disciplines to develop investigations and disseminate findings.
  • Execute original research involving fieldwork, archival research, and design studies.
  • Manage project timelines and contribute to collaborative writing for publication in peer-reviewed venues.
  • Organize public-facing exhibitions and installations to communicate research outcomes.
• Teaching (40%):
  • Prepare materials and documents for the design studio.
  • Organize and facilitate the design studio.
  • Support students’ project development through desk critiques.
  • Assess and evaluate student projects.
  • Deliver brief input lectures during the studio sessions.
  • Manage the studio field trip and coordinate with related modules taught by the Chair.

As a teaching assistant, you will engage in both landscape architectural design and research, guiding students in their project development while fostering knowledge in:

• Landscape historical research
• Design methodologies, including various 2D and 3D representational tools (both analogue and digital)
• Fieldwork experience

Your research-oriented mindset will enable you to assist students in uncovering innovative design solutions. Studio days are scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Candidate Profile

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a vested interest in shaping the future of landscape architecture through long-term research initiatives. Required qualifications include:

• Experience in research and teaching
• A strong curiosity for natural sciences and interdisciplinary work
• A background in design, preferably with a master’s degree in architecture or landscape architecture
• Proficiency in English for teaching and research; knowledge of German is beneficial
• Experience working in a landscape architecture office is preferred

We offer a collaborative working environment within a renowned academic institution, fostering intellectual openness, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Application Process

To be considered for this position, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

If you have any queries, please contact Johanna Just at just@arch.ethz.ch.