Imagine being part of a revolutionary research project that combines earth and wood constructions with solar architecture to create sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. ETH Zurich’s Architecture and Building Systems (A/S) research group is seeking a dedicated PhD candidate to join their team and contribute to the ThinkEarth project, a flagship initiative advancing climate-neutral construction.

The Architecture and Building Systems (A/S) research group at ETH Zurich is seeking dedicated candidates for a fully funded PhD position. This project focuses on leveraging earth and wood constructions combined with solar architecture while integrating passive and active supply systems for sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. The position starts in June 2025 or as mutually agreed upon, as part of the ThinkEarth project—a flagship initiative to advance climate-neutral construction.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | 2025 PhD Scholarship on Designing Buildings |
| University | ETH Zurich |
| Research Group | Architecture and Building Systems (A/S) |
| Degree | PhD |
| Field of Study | Sustainable Building Design, Architecture, Engineering |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Start Date | June 2025 (or mutually agreed upon) |
| Application Deadline | March 19, 2025 |
Facts about ETH Zurich
- Rankings: ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
- Nobel Laureates: ETH Zurich has a long history of producing Nobel laureates, with 21 affiliated Nobel Prize winners.
- Innovative Research: ETH Zurich is renowned for its cutting-edge research, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
- International Community: With over 20,000 students from around 120 countries, ETH Zurich has a vibrant and diverse international community.
- Location: Zurich is a hub for technology, finance, and innovation, offering students unparalleled opportunities for networking and career development.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: ETH Zurich boasts cutting-edge facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and research centers.
- Strong Industry Ties: ETH Zurich has close ties with industry partners, providing students with opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and job placements.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: ETH Zurich has a thriving startup ecosystem, with many students and researchers going on to found successful companies.
- Language: While German is an official language, many programs are offered in English, making ETH Zurich an attractive option for international students.
- Alumni Network: ETH Zurich has a strong and active alumni network, with many graduates going on to become leaders in their fields.
Description For 2025 PhD Scholarship On Designing Buildings At ETH Zurich
The selected PhD researcher will work at the interface of two work packages from the ThinkEarth project, focusing on:
- Research Objectives:
- Understanding the optimal use of earth/wood as a construction material for walls, roofs, and interiors.
- Identifying beneficial combinations of passive and active thermal building systems to maximize energy efficiency, life-cycle emissions reduction, and indoor comfort.
- Responsibilities:
- Conduct hygrothermal simulations of earth/wood construction elements and assess passive/active solar building systems.
- Design and test experimental earth/wood prototypes, monitoring their thermal and moisture buffering capacities in ETH Zurich labs.
- Analyze the environmental performance of hybrid earth/wood components in the context of solar design systems.
- Present research findings at conferences, publish academic papers, and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Expected Deliverables:
Develop detailed design and operational guidelines for sustainable and climate-neutral earth/wood construction.
Rewards For 2025 PhD Scholarship On Designing Buildings At ETH Zurich
- Opportunity to work at ETH Zurich—one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology.
- Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and interdisciplinary research teams.
- Public transport passes, sports facilities, childcare options, and pension benefits.
How To Apply For 2025 PhD Scholarship On Designing Buildings At ETH Zurich
Interested candidates must apply online through ETH Zurich’s application portal. Email or postal submissions will not be considered. Your application should include:
- Motivation Letter: Clearly outline your interest in the position and relevant experience.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed overview of your education, research, and professional background.
- Project Descriptions: Summaries of your previous projects, highlighting your role and contributions.
- References: Provide contact details for 1-3 references or attach reference letters.
Applications must be submitted by March 19, 2025.
Source: https://jobs.ethz.ch/