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ITA Institute of Technology in Architecture

How to apply.

The Process Explained

Architecture & Technology (A&T) Doctoral Programme, ETH Zurich

The Architecture & Technology (A&T) Doctoral Programme seeks to attract exceptional candidates to join our group of 50+ international doctoral students.

We offer  two paid, full-time (100%), 3.5-year doctoral fellowships to start in October of each year.

About the Programme

The A&T Doctoral Programme is ETH Zurich’s interdisciplinary educational platform committed to training scholars in research and teaching of technology in architecture. The programme is offered and managed collaboratively by the professorships of the Institute of Technology in Architecture (ITA) . The work of the ITA professorships assimilates many diverse aspects of employing science, technology and engineering in architecture, including computational design of buildings and structures, building processes and systems, digital and robotic construction and fabrication, and many others. For more information about our institute, please consult the ITA website , and check out the ten years of ITA external page video call_made . The following professorships are currently involved in the A&T doctoral programme:

• Architecture and Digital Fabrication (Gramazio Kohler Research)
• Architecture and Structures (Block Research Group)
• Structural Design
• Digital Building Technologies
• Architecture and Building Systems
• Architecture and the Building Process
• Construction Heritage and Preservation

Successful applicants will join one of the above professorships under the mentorship of the respective professor. Hence, we expect the candidates to define which professorship would be most suitable for the realisation of their research proposal and indicate this explicitly in their application packages. Although the selected applicant will be primarily associated with the selected professorship, the interdisciplinary character of the programme ensures the involvement of other parties during the studies. For example, one of the milestones of this doctoral programme is the Aptitude Colloquium, in which doctoral students defend their research plan before all ITA professors and researchers. Our work takes place in the Arch_Tec_Lab , a high-tech zero-emissions building designed and developed by ITA.

The Application Process

The application process starts in early October of each year - this is when the official job advertisement is published on the central ETH Job Board, and the link to it is shared here on this page of the ITA website. 

The earlier you start to prepare your application the better, and all interested candidates should follow these steps:

1. identify which of the above mentioned professorships you wish to apply to

2. make sure that you choose only one of the professorships

3. thoroughly study the work of the research group led by the professorship of your choice

4. start createing a clear and targetted application package:

- Cover Letter  (1 page max, submitted as pdf file, named: lastname_firstname_Cover Letter.pdf), stating:

the applicant’s career plans reasons for pursuing a doctorate in Architecture & Technology at ETH Zurich arguments why they would be the right candidate the relevance of their background/past experiences in pursuing a doctorate under which ITA professorship they wish to conduct their studies (only one please)

- CV (3 page max, submitted as pdf file, named: lastname_firstname_Short CV.pdf ), outlining:

the applicant's academic/professional progression academic/professional achievements clearly articulated set of competencies and skills (relevant to the job) list of awards, publications, and/or other notable milestones

- Portfolio (12  pages max, submitted as pdf file, named: lastname_firstname_Portfolio.pdf), to include:

images/graphic content illustrating projects relevant to the job short descriptions of the projects included

- Research Statement (3 pages max,  submitted as pdf file, named: lastname_firstname_Research Statement.pdf), to include:

the identification of the principal research field(s) or topic(s) of interest an outline and a summary of the research proposal

The Timeline (2025 intake)

31 January 2025 -  deadline for both application package and recommendation letters submission, via online job portal once opened 01 February to 15 March 2025 - applications screening / eligible application packages are forwarded to the corresponding professorships who may conduct initial candidate interviews late March 2025 - shortlisted applicants (maximum 6) are invited for an online interview with all participating professors latest by 01 April 2025 - successful applicants are notified 

Doctoral Programme in Landscape and Urban Studies

The doctoral programme at the ETH Zurich Department of Architecture’s Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS) offers one fellowship position starting on 1 October 2024. 100%, Zurich-based, fixed-term. Job description

The LUS Doctoral Programme

The doctoral programme at the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS), ETH Zurich D-ARCH, is dedicated to exploring contemporary challenges in urban and environmental transformation within broader socio-cultural, political-economic, and theoretical frameworks. This programme is designed to foster critical discourse and nurture independent, innovative, and proactive research that addresses pressing social and environmental issues.

The LUS Institute engages with the production of landscape, territory, and human settlements across various scales and diverse global geographies. Key research areas include landscape and designed ecologies, energy transition, agroecology, hydrology, regenerative agriculture, adaptive infrastructures, housing, and socio-economic development with a focus on urban inequality. Geographically, the LUS Institute’s research spans Switzerland, Europe, and the broader global South.

By bringing together disciplines such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design, and planning, as well as the social sciences, the doctoral programme at the LUS Institute adopts an inter- and transdisciplinary approach. This approach encompasses a diverse range of methodological approaches, from qualitative and quantitative research to ethnography, critical cartography, design-based action research, systems research, and urban theory.

About the Programme

The doctoral programme is conducted in English. With a current enrollment of over 25 participants, the LUS doctoral programme encourages both individual research and collaborative engagement within the doctoral community. The programme offers multiple platforms for interaction, such as the LUS methods seminar, institute-wide colloquia, workshops, and doctoral reviews. Embedded in the vibrant doctoral education environment of the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich, the LUS doctoral programme actively collaborates with the doctoral programme at the Institute of History and Theory of Architecture (gta) , ETH Zurich. This collaboration enhances interdisciplinary perspectives and provides enriched research opportunities.

Participating Chairs at the LUS

While the proposed research should align with the individual and collective research agendas of the participating chairs at the LUS Institute, candidates are welcome to apply with an independent research topic, provided it aligns with the collective competencies of the Institute. The LUS Institute currently comprises seven chairs, each contributing to its diverse research landscape:

• Chair of History and Theory of Urban Design, Prof. Dr. Tom Avermaete
• Chair of Architecture and Housing, Prof. Maria Conen
• Chair of Landscape Architecture, Prof. Dr. Teresa Galí-Izard
• Chair of Architecture and Urban Design, Prof. Hubert Klumpner
• Chair of Architecture and Urban Transformation, Prof. Freek Persyn
• Chair of Architecture and Territorial Planning, Prof. Milica Topalovic
• Chair of Landscape Architecture, Prof. Martina Voser

Job description

Conduct original doctoral research on an individually determined topic within the disciplines of landscape and urban studies. The fellowship places no restriction on the geography or time period of the proposed research project. You are expected to devote a small part of your time to community building activities at the LUS doctoral school and co-curate LUS Talks during the second year of your studies. See past LUS Talks here.

100% doctoral employment at the ETH standard rate, with an expected term of three-and-a-half years to completion, pending successful approval of the doctoral plan at the end of year one.

Your Profile

We are seeking individuals with a background in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design and planning, and social sciences, with strong research or design experience that can benefit from the inter- and transdisciplinary engagements offered by the institute.

You must hold a university diploma or master’s degree obtained at university level (equivalent to the FHEQ-Level 7) in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and social science, or related fields.

You must additionally demonstrate excellent research and writing skills.

The programme provides funding for up to three-and-a-half years, with a potential extension. You will be employed at full employment (100% pensum), based on the ETH Zurich doctoral student contract, with monthly salaries according to the ‘standard rate’. For a detailed calculation of salaries, please refer to this link .

You are required to take up residency in Zurich during the period of the scholarship. Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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.

Applications must be addressed to the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies rather than to individual professors. Applicants must note that the application will be solely evaluated for their content and the applicants are thus requested to not contact individual professors before applying.

We are looking forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by 15 March 2024, 23:59 CET:

• Letter of motivation (1 page).
• Outline for the Proposed Research Project (4 pages + addendums). The document should include the research title, a review of the current state-of-the-art related to the proposed topic, clearly defined research questions, articulated aims and objectives, anticipated formats for publication, and a demonstration of why the LUS Institute is an ideal host for the proposed research. The main content must adhere to a 4-page limit, utilizing 11pt. font and single-spacing. Supplementary pages may be used for up to three illustrations (maps, drawings, images), bibliography, and a project timeline.
• Curriculum vitae (including publications, portfolio, and work samples, max. 10 pages).
• Published piece of writing if available (1 text, max. 15 pages).
• Name, affiliation, and email addresses of 2 referees.

Please note that applications missing any of the documents listed above and/or exceeding specified page limits will not be considered for evaluation.

The programme exclusively accepts application documents submitted through the ETH online application portal. Applications submitted via email or postal services will not be considered.

Application Timeline

• 15 March 2024: Submission deadline (23:59 CET).
• Middle of April 2024: Notification to shortlisted candidates.
• End of April 2024: Interviews with shortlisted candidates.
• Beginning of May 2024: Notification to successful applicants.
• 1 October 2024: Start of programme.

Further information about the programme, the participating faculty and the application process.

Applicants are requested to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before approaching the programme coordinator. Only for questions that cannot be addressed through the FAQs contact the doctoral programme coordinator Nitin Bathla . Requests sent to any other email will not be considered.