Three Postdoctoral Positions in Circular Engineering for Architecture

Conduct independent and collaborative research within your project (SWIRCULAR, CEBE, or SNSF) Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences Disseminate results to academic, industrial, and public audiences Collaborate with research and industry partners in the project consortium Providing scientific and methodological guidance to doctoral students Co-supervise Master’s and Bachelor's theses and projects Contribute to the Chair’s teaching, including course preparation, delivery, and student assessment

The Chair of Circular Engineering for Architecture (CEA), led by Prof. Dr. Catherine De Wolf, is part of the Institute of Construction and Infrastructure Management (IBI) in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG) at ETH Zurich. Our research focuses on digitalization towards a circular built environment, combining circular economy principles with digital innovation in construction.

We are seeking three Postdoctoral Researchers to join our team. Each will drive research within a major project and contribute to supervision and teaching at the Chair.

Position 1: Circular Construction SWIRCULAR is a flagship Swiss project on circular construction funded by InnoSuisse and our industry partners. This position focuses on digital passports and matchmaking methods that connect reclaimed construction materials and components with new design demand.

Position 2: Circular Design Civil Engineering and the Green Transition in the Built Environment (CEBE) is an international collaborative project funded by the Villum Foundation. This position focuses on computer vision and generative AI for designing a sustainable, future-ready built environment. Occasional international travel is required.

Position 3: LCA This position focuses on circularity assessment and life cycle assessment (LCA) of structures, with particular emphasis on steel, and is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The research examines how reusing structural elements can reduce the environmental impact of buildings and infrastructure.

All positions are offered at 100% workload.

A stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities Involvement in projects with strong industrial relevance and societal impact, within a network of national and international partners Close links to architecture, structural engineering, computer science, and industry Opportunities to build your academic profile through publishing, teaching, and supervision Access to ETH Zurich’s research infrastructure, professional development courses, and mentoring programmes

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.

• PhD in civil engineering, architecture, computer science, or a related field

• Strong interest in sustainability and circularity in the built environment; prior experience is an advantage but not essential

• Strong record of scientific publications and conference presentations, experience in exhibitions or science communication is a plus

• Excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

• Optional: German language skills are an advantage for Position 1, to support communication with industry partners

• Position 1: large language models, graph theory, design optimization, advanced programming skills

• Position 2: generative AI, computer vision for information extraction, design optimization models, real options or future-ready design

• Position 3: life cycle assessment, structural design and analysis, circular design strategies such as reuse of structural elements