"PhD Researcher: AI-Enhanced Adaptive Design for Dynamic Landscapes"

PhD Researcher: AI-Enhanced Adaptive Design for Dynamic Landscapes

School of Arts, Design and Architecture – Department of Architecture

Location: Otaniemi Campus, Espoo, Finland

Join a cutting-edge research environment where architecture, landscape architecture, and artificial intelligence meet to address complex environmental challenges.

About the Project

The Adaptive Design for AI-Driven Processes in Transforming Dynamic Landscapes (ADAPT) project develops scalable, data-driven design methodologies that transform dynamic environmental processes, such as sedimentation, meltwater flow, and vegetation change, into active drivers of adaptive design. This interdisciplinary work combines advanced computational tools, including 4D point cloud modeling and state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning techniques (such as generative adversarial networks), with empirical fieldwork in Norwegian glacier environments.

You will collaborate closely with world-leading partners including ETH Zurich, MIT Media Lab, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), contributing to research that redefines how we design for climate-driven environmental change.

Your role and goals

As a PhD researcher in the ADAPT project, you will:

• Conduct field studies in Norwegian glacial regions to capture high-resolution spatial–temporal environmental data (sedimentation, meltwater flows, vegetation changes, landslides).
• Process and analyse geospatial datasets, including 4D point clouds from UAVs and TLS, integrating them into adaptive design frameworks.
• Develop physical and digital prototypes informed by AI-enhanced simulations and dynamic environmental data.
• Work closely with the project’s Postdoctoral researcher to test generative design workflows using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques, such as generative adversarial networks (GANs), and other emerging AI methods.
• Participate in funded international research visits to ETH Zurich, MIT Media Lab, and NMBU.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences, exhibitions, and stakeholder workshops.

Your network and team

You will be based in the Department of Architecture at Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus, working within an interdisciplinary research environment. Your main collaborators will include:

• Principal Investigator (PI): Associate Prof. Pia Fricker, specialist in computational design and adaptive landscape and territorial systems.
• The ADAPT Postdoctoral researcher, focusing on AI-driven generative design methods.
• International partners at ETH Zurich, MIT Media Lab, and NMBU, providing expertise in geospatial modeling, immersive technologies, and glacial environmental dynamics.

Your experience and ambitions

We welcome candidates from diverse disciplinary backgrounds who are eager to work across fields. You are expected to have:

• A Master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, computer science, environmental science, ecology, or a related field.
• Experience with AI/ML/DL techniques (e.g., generative adversarial networks, convolutional neural networks, or other emerging methods) for generative or analytical purposes, and willingness to deepen and broaden these skills.
• Skills in at least one of the following, and readiness to develop expertise in the others during the doctoral research:
  • Computational design and 3D/4D modeling (e.g., Rhino/Grasshopper, Unity, Blender).
  • Point cloud processing (e.g., CloudCompare, Autodesk ReCap) and/or GIS.
  • Environmental data collection and analysis.
• Readiness to learn complementary skills, for example, environmental scientists learning computational design, or designers learning environmental field methods.
• Willingness to participate in fieldwork in potentially challenging environments.
• Excellent English skills (written and spoken).

What we offer

A fully funded, full-time doctoral position (estimated duration is approximately 3.9 years depending on the start date, with the employment ending no later than August 31, 2029) with an initial two-year contract (mid-term evaluation for continuation), starting salary EUR 3,075/month. The opportunity to work on a high-impact, international research project addressing urgent climate adaptation challenges. Funded research visits to ETH Zurich, and NMBU, and participation in fieldwork in Norwegian glacier environments. Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including UAVs, terrestrial laser scanning equipment, immersive VR/AR labs (MAGICS infrastructure), and computational design studios for immersive data simulation. Mentoring in academic publishing, networking, and interdisciplinary skill development. A vibrant, international campus in Otaniemi with excellent public transport connections, green surroundings, and an active research community.

How to Apply

Please submit your application through our recruitment site (“Apply now!”) no later than 23:59 (EET) on 30 September 2025. We aim for the selected candidate to start no later than December 2025, with an earlier start possible by agreement. Your application should include: A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) explaining your interest in the position and how your background fits the role. Your CV, including contact information for two referees. Publication list. Relevant degree certificates and academic transcripts. A portfolio of previous work (design, computational, or research projects, as relevant). The selected applicant will have to also apply successfully to the ARTS Doctoral programme during the six-month probation period for the position. The selected applicant is thus expected to be able to develop a high quality research plan for the ARTS Doctoral programme soon after being hired. For further information on the position: Associate Prof. Dr. Pia Fricker (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi). For questions related to the application process: hr-arch@aalto.fi.