100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Chair for Digital Building Technologies invites applications for a PhD position on robotic spraying as an additive manufacturing process for biocementation. The research brings together two closely coupled lines of work: the development of an additive robotic fabrication system based on material deposition and microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), with a focus on applying MICP to the fabrication of architectural elements.
This PhD is part of the SNSF-funded project "DFabuLis: Digital Fabrication Using Living Systems", conducted in collaboration with Dr. Dimitrios Terzis, Senior Scientist in the Laloui group at EPFL.
Project background
Conventional cement-based construction binds aggregates through an energy-intensive process. Bio-binders offer a different fabrication logic. In biocementation, certain bacteria precipitate calcium carbonate between particles, allowing binding to form under ambient conditions. This project treats the bio-binder as a fabrication parameter. Through robotic deposition of bacterial and cementation solutions, mineral binding can be spatially controlled across a printed structure, producing architectural elements with locally differentiated density, strength, porosity, and surface properties within a single component.
The research will investigate how robotic deposition of biocement can be translated into architectural production strategies, from material placement and component geometry to surface formation and assembly. In collaboration with the Soil Mechanics Laboratory at EPFL, the project connects robotic fabrication with the characterisation and formulation of bio-binders. The resulting strategies will be explored in architectural-scale demonstrators.
Job description
- You will develop a robotic fabrication process for biocementation, including adapting existing deposition hardware, and the computational workflow linking design intent to material placement
- You will use it to produce architectural components, investigating through making how graded biocementation can inform structure, surface, and assembly
- You will assess the environmental footprint of the process and use it to guide fabrication and design choices
- You will conduct research in close collaboration with project partners at ETH and EPFL and, where applicable, industry partners.
- You will work closely with the Soil Mechanics Laboratory at EPFL, whose characterisation of the material will inform the development of the process
- You will write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals, present at international conferences, and contribute to teaching through the supervision of semester and master's projects
Profile
- A Master's degree in architecture or a closely related discipline, with a demonstrated body of work in digital fabrication
- Competence in building and modifying fabrication equipment; experience with robotics, electronics, or control software is a strong asset
- Fluency in computational design and experience moving between digital models and physical results
- Interest in biological or material processes; experience in a wet lab is welcome but not required.
- Interest in circular and low-impact construction; familiarity with life cycle assessment is an advantage
- Excellent written and spoken English; conversational German is an advantage
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative disposition, as the project spans disciplines and research groups
Workplace
Stefano-Franscini-Platz 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
We offer
The Chair for Digital Building Technologies within the Institute of Technology in Architecture conducts research at the intersection of computational design, materials, and construction-scale fabrication. Over more than a decade, the group has developed and operated powder-bed and extrusion-based printing systems at architectural scale, with built results including the tallest 3D-printed structures in the world. In-house expertise in materials, mechanical design, electronics, and software, together with complete workshop and prototyping infrastructure, allows research ideas to move directly from concept to machine to printed artifact, and doctoral researchers are given considerable latitude in shaping that trajectory. Our highly diverse and international group offers extensive networks within ETH and internationally. We are committed to diversity by offering flexible working hours, home office options, and other measures to ensure team members can perform their roles effectively.
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Portfolio of design and fabrication work (max. 20 MB)
- Names and contact information (email address) of three references
We would also like to get to know you better and would therefore ask you to send us a short video of no more than two minutes. We do not expect a professionally produced video; even a recording made on a smartphone is perfectly sufficient. A brief introduction of yourself and your interest in the position should be included. Please then upload the video to a platform of your choice (Dropbox, YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, etc.) and include the relevant URL link in your cover letter.
The deadline to apply is December 15th.
Available to start as soon as possible.
Further information about Digital Building Technologies can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Karen Antorveza, kantorveza@ethz.ch (no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.