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ETH Zurich
5 days ago
PhD Position in Robotic Spraying and Biocementation for Architectural Fabrication ETH Zurich in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 15, 2026
Country
Switzerland
University
ETH Zurich
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About this position
ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD project on robotic spraying and additive manufacturing for biocementation within the SNSF-funded DFabuLis: Digital Fabrication Using Living Systems project.
The research explores how microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) can function as a controllable fabrication parameter. The doctoral researcher will develop a robotic fabrication process that deposits bacterial and cementation solutions, adapting existing deposition hardware and creating the computational workflow that links design intent to material placement.
The project will investigate how graded biocementation can shape architectural components with locally differentiated density, strength, porosity, and surface properties. Through making and architectural-scale demonstrators, the researcher will study material placement, component geometry, surface formation, and assembly, while assessing the environmental footprint of the process to guide fabrication and design decisions.
The work is based in the Chair for Digital Building Technologies within ETH Zurich’s Institute of Technology in Architecture. The group combines computational design, materials research, mechanical design, electronics, software, workshop infrastructure, and construction-scale robotic fabrication. The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Soil Mechanics Laboratory and the Laloui group at EPFL, led in this collaboration by Senior Scientist Dr. Dimitrios Terzis, as well as possible industry partners.
The doctoral researcher will contribute to scientific publications, international conference presentations, and teaching through supervision of semester and master’s projects, working in a diverse and international research environment with substantial prototyping capabilities.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must have a Master's degree in architecture or a closely related discipline and a demonstrated body of work in digital fabrication. Competence in building and modifying fabrication equipment is required; experience with robotics, electronics, or control software is an asset. Applicants should be fluent in computational design and experienced in moving between digital models and physical results, with an interest in biological or material processes. Wet-lab experience is welcome but not required. Interest in circular and low-impact construction is expected, while familiarity with life cycle assessment is advantageous. Excellent written and spoken English, strong communication skills, and a collaborative disposition are required; conversational German is an advantage. The application must include a cover letter, CV, design and fabrication portfolio of no more than 20 MB, contact details for three references, and a short video of no more than two minutes linked in the cover letter.
How to apply
Submit the application exclusively through the online application portal. Upload a cover letter, CV, portfolio, and three references, and include a link to a short introductory video in the cover letter. Questions may be sent to Karen Antorveza, but applications by email are not accepted.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.