Doctoral Fellowship in Landscape and Urban Studies

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The doctoral program at the ETH Zurich Department of Architecture’s Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS) offers one fellowship position starting on 1 October 2024. 100%, Zurich-based, fixed-term. 

Project background

The LUS Doctoral Program

The doctoral program at the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS), ETH Zurich D-ARCH, is dedicated to exploring contemporary challenges in urban and environmental transformation within broader socio-cultural, political-economic, and theoretical frameworks. This program is designed to foster critical discourse and nurture independent, innovative, and proactive research that addresses pressing social and environmental issues.

The LUS Institute engages with the production of landscape, territory, and human settlements across various scales and diverse global geographies. Key research areas include landscape and designed ecologies, energy transition, agroecology, hydrology, regenerative agriculture, adaptive infrastructures, housing, and socio-economic development with a focus on urban inequality. Geographically, the LUS Institute's research spans Switzerland, Europe, and the broader global South.

By bringing together disciplines such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design, and planning, as well as the social sciences, the doctoral program at the LUS Institute adopts an inter- and transdisciplinary approach. This approach encompasses a diverse range of methodological approaches, from qualitative and quantitative research to ethnography, critical cartography, design-based action research, systems research, and urban theory.

About the Programme

The doctoral program is conducted in English. With a current enrollment of over 25 participants, the LUS doctoral program encourages both individual research and collaborative engagement within the doctoral community. The program offers multiple platforms for interaction, such as the LUS methods seminar, institute-wide colloquia, workshops, and doctoral reviews. Embedded in the vibrant doctoral education environment of the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich, the LUS doctoral program actively collaborates with the doctoral program at the Institute of History and Theory of Architecture (gta), ETH Zurich. This collaboration enhances interdisciplinary perspectives and provides enriched research opportunities.

Participating Chairs at the LUS

While the proposed research should align with the individual and collective research agendas of the participating chairs at the LUS Institute, candidates are welcome to apply with an independent research topic, provided it aligns with the collective competencies of the Institute. The LUS Institute currently comprises seven chairs, each contributing to its diverse research landscape:

Job description

Conduct original doctoral research on an individually determined topic within the disciplines of landscape and urban studies. The fellowship places no restriction on the geography or time period of the proposed research project. You are expected to devote a small part of your time to community building activities at the LUS doctoral school and co-curate LUS Talks during the second year of your studies. See past LUS Talks here . 

100% doctoral employment at the ETH standard rate, with an expected term of three-and-a-half years to completion, pending successful approval of the doctoral plan at the end of year one.

Your profile

We are seeking individuals with a background in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design and planning, and social sciences, with strong research or design experience that can benefit from the inter- and transdisciplinary engagements offered by the institute.

You must hold a university diploma or master’s degree obtained at university level (equivalent to the FHEQ-Level 7) in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and social science, or related fields.

You must additionally demonstrate excellent research and writing skills.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

The program provides funding for up to three-and-a-half years, with a potential extension. You will be employed at full employment (100% Pensum), based on the ETH Zurich doctoral student contract, with monthly salaries according to the ‘standard rate’. For a detailed calculation of salaries, please refer to this link .

You are required to take up residency in Zurich during the period of the scholarship.

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Curious? So are we.

Applications must be addressed to the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies rather than to individual professors. Applicants must note that the application will be solely evaluated for their content and the applicants are thus requested to not contact individual professors before applying.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by 15 March 2024, 23:59 CET:

Letter of motivation (1 page).

Outline for the Proposed Research Project (4 pages + addendums). The document should include the research title, a review of the current state-of-the-art related to the proposed topic, clearly defined research questions, articulated aims and objectives, anticipated formats for publication, and a demonstration of why the LUS Institute is an ideal host for the proposed research. The main content must adhere to a 4-page limit, utilizing 11pt. font and single-spacing. Supplementary pages may be used for up to three illustrations (maps, drawings, images), bibliography, and a project timeline.

Curriculum vitae (including publications, portfolio, and work samples, max. 10 pages).

Published piece of writing if available (1 text, max. 15 pages).

Name, affiliation, and email addresses of 2 referees.

Please note that applications missing any of the documents listed above and/or exceeding specified page limits will not be considered for evaluation.

The program exclusively accepts application documents submitted through the ETH online application portal. Applications submitted via email or postal services will not be considered.

Application Timeline

• 15 March 2024: Submission deadline (23:59 CET).
• Middle of April 2024: Notification to shortlisted candidates.
• End of April 2024: Interviews with shortlisted candidates.
• Beginning of May 2024: Notification to successful applicants.
• 1 October 2024: Start of programme.

Further information about the program, the participating faculty and the application process

Applicants are requested to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  before approaching the program coordinator. Only for questions that cannot be addressed through the FAQs contact the doctoral program coordinator Nitin Bathla at [email protected] . Requests sent to any other email will not be considered.

About ETH Zürich

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.