Human-Computer Interaction in Architecture and Digital FabricationThis fully funded, full-time PhD position spans four years and is embedded within the interdisciplinary research environment at the Professorship of Architecture and Human Augmentation at ETH Zürich. We are looking for a highly self-driven and motivated researcher with a strong commitment to rigorous and applied research within an interdisciplinary academic environment. The research focuses on human-computer interaction (HCI) in architectural design and fabrication, with a particular emphasis on extended reality (XR), machine vision, and human-robot collaboration.
Project background The research investigates how interactive computational tools, extended reality (XR), and robotic systems can augment human agency in architectural production. It examines the roles of interfaces, feedback systems, and embodied interaction in bridging design intent, material behaviour, and robotic execution across design-to-fabrication workflows. Specifically, the work will develop within those research streams:
- developing tools and workflows to efficiently assess discarded materials
- creating a digital inventory of reclaimed components
- developing computational representations of assembly and disassembly processes
- establishing a robust pipeline linking this inventory to CAD models
Job description As a PhD candidate, you will conduct original research, design and run studies, develop and evaluate prototypes, analyze data, and disseminate results through publications and presentations. You will collaborate closely with the research team and partners, contribute to lab life, and support teaching and student supervision. Tasks include:
- Conduct independent research within the project scope
- Perform literature reviews and maintain awareness of related work
- Design and run experiments/case studies
- Document research thoroughly (version control, lab notebooks, protocols, datasets)
- Collect, clean, and analyze data using appropriate methods (e.g., qualitative coding, statistics, simulation, ML)
- Publish results in peer-reviewed venues (conferences/journals) and contribute to paper writing
- Support lab operations as needed (maintaining equipment, onboarding, shared infrastructure)
Teaching: - Assist with teaching (TA, tutorials, crit sessions) and supervise student projects
- Mentor junior students (Bachelor/Master) and contribute to studio/course activities
Software/Engineering: - Implement research code and maintain repositories (testing, documentation, reproducibility)
Grants/reporting: - Contribute to grant writing, progress reports, and project administration
Profile - You hold an architectural or advanced technical degree corresponding to FHEQ Level 7
- You have a strong interest in programming and, ideally, experience with Python and C# coding language
- You are proficient in 3D modelling environments and XR software; experience with Rhinoceros, Grasshopper and Unity is an advantage
- Experience in robotic fabrication, digital fabrication, or human-robot interaction is highly desirable
- Familiarity with XR technologies, UX development, or experimental prototyping is an asset
- You are fluent in English (written and spoken)
We offer - The opportunity to pursue doctoral research at a world-renowned academic institution
- Access to state-of-the-art computational, XR, and robotic fabrication infrastructure
- Close collaboration with researchers across architecture, robotics, computer science, and engineering
- An engaged international community of researchers and educators
- Professional development and networking opportunities through academic and industry collaborations
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