Postdoctoral Researcher - Panelised timber vaulted floors

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Block Research Group (BRG) at the Institute for Technology in Architecture (ITA) at ETH Zurich is offering a postdoc position in “Panelised timber vaulted floors” for 2 years, starting at the latest in mid-2023.  

Project background

The BRG, led by Prof. Dr Philippe Block and Dr Tom Van Mele, focuses on the assessment of masonry structures, graphical analysis and design methods, computational form finding and structural design, and innovative construction technologies. Learning from the master builders of the past, the BRG develops novel design and engineering approaches for highly efficient and expressive structural forms and proposes new and economical construction paradigms. To address the grand challenges posed by climate change, the group’s research and built prototypes strive to embody the motto “strength through geometry,” to reduce embodied greenhouse gas emissions and to utilise fewer first-use resources. To minimise construction waste and increase labour productivity, the group develops innovative, structurally informed bespoke prefabrication strategies and novel construction paradigms that employ digital fabrication. 

Floors are major contributors to embodied emissions for multi-storey buildings. In order to decarbonise our industry, finding alternatives to today’s ubiquitous reinforced-concrete floor slabs is a necessity. Timber floors are more efficient for smaller spans. In your postdoc position, you will take part in the development of a hybrid timber system from medium to large spans for various contexts, e.g. office to residential. The goal is “Design for Disassembly” through reversible connections using timber joinery.

Job description

We expect you to develop robust design-to-fabrication pipelines as well as appropriate engineering models. The results must be integrated into the open-source computational framework COMPAS. Additionally, you are expected to contribute to teaching at the Institute of Technology in Architecture as well as to the development of demonstrator projects.

Your profile

We are looking for you - a highly motivated individual who has the following skills:

• Intermediate to expert Python programming
• Basic to intermediate C++ programming 
• Background in architecture and structural engineering, especially related to timber design, fabrication and analysis
• Very good written and spoken English

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

• A highly motivated, dynamic, international team
• Flexible working conditions including possibilities for partial home office
• A workplace in the Arch-Tec-Lab (building HIB) at ETH’s Hönggerberg campus

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Curious? So are we.

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

• Short letter of motivation
• Academic CV
• Writing sample (first-author journal paper or thesis chapter) 
• Names and contact information of 2 references or written testimonials/letters of recommendation from previous employers 

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about the Block Research Group and projects can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Kathrin Haake, [email protected] (no applications).

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.