We are searching for a doctoral researcher (f/m/d) within the framework of the research project "Digital Construction Archive" starting February 2025 or upon agreement. This project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and will be led by Construction Heritage and Preservation, ETH Zürich in collaboration with the ETH Materials Hub and Material-Archiv. The research is also supported by the NCCR Digital Fabrication. The “Digital Construction Archive” research project includes a further PhD position and a postdoctoral position, both of which have been filled.

The radical turn from industrial to digital design and production has led to a paradigm shift in architecture, and it impacts the possibilities to preserve the resulting objects as much as its construction and design. Knowledge about building materials, construction techniques and production processes are currently being transferred into the digital realm. But how are buildings to be maintained or upgraded if digital data becomes lost, if no or only rudimentary information concerning material or construction is available, or if this information can hardly any longer be gathered using the methods of traditional building research? The SNSF research project "Digital Construction Archive" aims to develop strategies to ensure the long-term preservation of architecture produced using digital means. To these ends the project analyses the demonstrators realised by the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication and will setup a prototype for a digital construction archive in collaboration with project partners.

The doctoral dissertation will elaborate strategies for the conservation of the material heritage of digitally fabricated architecture by analysing the maintainability and reparability of the constructions realised within the framework of the NCCR Digital Fabrication. The dissertation examines the material preservation of building parts produced using additive procedures such as 3D printing. Through an iterative process the doctoral researcher will formulate case studies to gain insight into the fabrication process and assess the repairability of such constructions. These case studies will also facilitate the planning of repairs for building elements and entire structures, thereby contributing to the authentic preservation of the material heritage of digitally fabricated constructions. 

Within the research project, you will take on a topic for the dissertation which will be conceived based on the research proposal, together with the project leadership. You will independently elaborate research results in the form of lectures, peer-reviewed journal articles and book publications. You will also participate in the organization of workshops and conferences. In addition to your research, you will support the teaching activities of the chair relevant to your dissertation topic.

• You have a Master's degree or equivalent in disciplines related to architecture, civil engineering, or materials science and have a strong interest in construction heritage and digital fabrication
• You have an understanding of both traditional and novel construction methods and processes
• You enjoy work in a team, can communicate across disciplines and take initiative
• You can speak and write in English fluently and can also communicate in German
• You possess good academic writing and communication skills or are interested in gaining qualifications in these areas 
• Experience in computational design and programming is an added value 

We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers in the fields of architecture, preservation, art and architectural history, building research, innovative building technologies and sustainability. With this position, you will have the opportunity to build skills and gain qualifications in the areas of scholarly research, writing, publishing, and outreach.

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application until January 3rd, 2025  including the following documents:

• Motivation Letter (max. 2 pages, in English or German)
• Curriculum vitae with contact details of 2 to 3 references (max. 2 pages, in English or German) 
• Excerpts of previous publications (if available) and/or portfolio

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal.

Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For information on the open position, please contact Dr. Adrian Pöllinger, Tel. +41 44 633 6374 or e-mail poellinger@arch.ethz.ch.

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.