Postdoctoral Fellowship in Augmented Computational Design at Design++ (ETH Zürich) ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zürich’s Design++ Center for Augmented Computational Design in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) is offering a prestigious two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship. The fellowship is funded through a strategic partnership with Halter Group AG and aims to advance computational methods and AI/XR for AEC and urban/landscape planning, bridging research to practice and expanding the potential for impact in the built environment.

Design++ is a cross-departmental hub fostering innovation in computational design, artificial intelligence, and extended reality. The center’s vision is to remove collaboration barriers in AEC and urban planning, addressing sustainability challenges, boosting productivity, and delivering high-quality spaces. Fellows will be co-mentored by two ETH professors from different departments, with support available for matching hosts if needed.

Research areas include AI-enhanced design and planning, XR-augmented workflows, seamless digital processes, and intelligent collaborative project delivery. Methods may involve AI/ML (including LLMs), XR, robotics, simulation, optimization, and more. Both foundational and applied proposals are welcome, with a strong emphasis on impact—improving resource efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing productivity.

As a fellow, you will lead your proposed research, share quarterly progress updates with Halter Group, and deliver mid-term and final presentations and reports. You’ll engage with the Design++ community through industry exchanges, workshops, and events, and may have teaching or other duties up to 25% FTE. The program offers access to Design++ Labs, including the Immersive Design Lab (IDL) and Large-scale Virtualization & Modeling Lab (LVML), as well as ETH-wide seminars and workshops.

Applicants must hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in a relevant field such as architecture, civil engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, or materials science. Candidates should demonstrate scientific excellence and submit an innovative research proposal aligned with Design++ goals. Evidence of research excellence, industry collaboration experience, and expertise in AI/ML, XR, robotics, simulation, or optimization are desirable. The application requires a CV, degree transcripts, a 1–2 page research statement, a 1-page motivation letter, and two letters of reference.

ETH Zürich offers a competitive postdoc salary, childcare support, paid maternity/paternity leave, and five weeks’ vacation per year. The university values diversity and sustainability, promoting an inclusive culture and working towards a climate-neutral future. The fellowship provides opportunities for collaboration with Halter AG and its sister companies, enabling real-world testing of research outcomes.

The application window opens on 1 October 2025 and closes on 1 December 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in January 2026, with decisions made in February 2026 and the fellowship starting in August 2026. Applications must be submitted online via the ETH application portal; submissions via email, phone, or postal services will not be considered. For questions about the position, contact Danielle Griego at [email protected] (no applications).

This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, contribute to transformative research in the built environment, and become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community at ETH Zürich.