Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Development and Design (C3284)

100%, Singapore, fixed-term

ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities in the world with a strong focus on science and engineering. In 2010 it established the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF) to do interdisciplinary research on pressing problems.

The centre currently runs several research programmes with the Future Cities Laboratory (FCL) as one of the programmes. It is home to a community of over 100 PhD, postdoctoral and Professorial researchers working on diverse themes related to sustainable cities and resilient infrastructure systems. In the course of their work, researchers actively collaborate with universities, research institutes, industry, and government agencies to offer practical solutions.

Project background

How do we shape the form and processes of cities and metropolitan regions so that they limit their physical and environmental footprints while enabling social and economic prosperity? What is the optimal urban form that meets the land and transportation needs of the city while offering quality opportunities for social and economic exchanges? This project aims to derive novel urban intensification strategies based on a study of the complex relationship between human activity and the urban built environment. This project is part of the D4 research module “Resource Efficient Urban Intensification (EFF): a complexity science approach” in the Future Cities Laboratory Global.

In this module, big data urban analytics and urban economic modelling are used to propose urban forms of high resource efficiency and to understand the spatial patterns of social gatherings. By coupling urban science (complexity science, urban economics, and machine learning) with urban design, the module aims to develop a series of innovative spatial models and place-specific planning and design interventions that enhance the resource efficiency and resilience of cities in the face of climate change and pandemics. The theoretical findings will be applied and tested through case studies in Singapore and Switzerland.

Job description

The focus is twofold:

on testing the social acceptance of optimal resource-efficient urban environments through stakeholder workshops following a user-centered design-thinking method; and

to study the qualities of public places for social gatherings.

The work will include:

• Conduct fieldwork to survey and document the patterns and qualities of social gatherings in Singapore and Zurich
• Gather and analyze qualitative research data
• Organize and conduct stakeholder workshops to assess patterns of social gatherings
• Able to work independently but also closely with team members in Zurich and Singapore
• Work in close communication with other postdoctoral fellows who focuses on urban analytics and social numerical modelling
• Manage the project administratively and organize meetings
• Document research outcomes and findings
• Write journal articles for publication and conference presentation

Your profile

• A PhD degree in related fields of Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, Spatial Development, Geography, Sociology, or interdisciplinary fields with a focus on urban space, urban design, and urban form
• Interested and have experience designing stakeholder workshops and organizing focus groups
• Equipped with social science research methods to undertake and analyze research findings. 
• Possess quantitative analytical skills and ability to interpret data
• Able to use GIS and create 3D visualizations of the built environment

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

The Singapore-ETH-Centre is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer. You will be evaluated on their merits and qualifications, without regards to gender, race, age or religion.

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We value diversity

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.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Educational Certificates
• Portfolio and/or Writing samples

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Singapore-ETH Centre

The Singapore-ETH Centre provides a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment to researchers working on diverse themes focussed on sustainable and liveable cities, resilient urban systems, and patient-centric healthcare. The centre is home to a community of over 100 doctoral, postdoctoral and professorial researchers working in three main programmes: Future Cities Laboratory, Future Resilient Systems, and Future Health Technologies.