(1) PhD position: Development of sensors for airborne pollutants
The research is related to the development of sensors for airborne pollutants. Detection of pollutants plays critical roles in environmental protection, safeguarding human health and societal welfare, limiting contamination, and enhancing production yield in industries. Our group is engaged in the development of various optical and electrochemical sensors targeting gaseous and biological pollutants.
Job description
You will be involved in tasks such as:
– Development of innovative sensing techniques for gaseous and biological pollutants
– Fabrication of sensors using 3D printing, laser lithography, MEMS or optofluidic methods
– Explore novel applications of the sensors in medical, environmental, and safety applications
Your profile
We are looking for suitable individuals with a master-level degree in material science, electrical engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering or related fields with excellent grades. Furthermore, a good experimental capability is of high value, as well as a good command of English.
Deadline : Open until filled
(2) PhD position: Plant water relations in urban environments
The doctoral project is part of an interdisciplinary project on Feedback between vegetation, carbon, energy, and water cycles in the urban environment (UrbaNature). Within the framework of Switzerland’s Global Climate Observing System and Global Atmosphere Watch programmes, UrbaNature aims to create new knowledge and develop methodologies for observing and simulating the role of vegetation in carbon, energy, and water cycles in the urban environment. Together with colleagues from the University of Basel, the University of Zurich as well as Empa, four doctoral students will collaborate closely, co-supervised by one other leading scientist from the UrbaNature consortium.
ob description
The doctoral project will focus on urban plant ecophysiology in the cities of Zurich and Basel. In more detail, the tasks include:
- the quantification of in-situ photosynthesis and transpiration of plant functional groups representative of urban environments,
- the identification of hydraulic strategies of urban vegetation during relevant phenological phases using stable water isotopes, and
- the evaluation of plant ecophysiological responses to the urban environment.
You will work together with the other three doctoral students from the University of Basel, the University of Zurich and Empa, who will focus on urban plant modelling, urban climate modelling, and urban vegetation remote sensing, respectively. The full-time position is funded for 4 years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.
Your profile
- Upon starting, you must have a completed Master’s degree in biology, ecology, or environmental sciences, or a closely related science field with experiences in plant ecophysiology, micrometeorology, and/or biogeochemistry.
- You must have very good statistical skills, experience with fieldwork, and programming experience (e.g. in R or Python).
- A good standard of written and spoken English as well as a driver’s license are mandatory.
- Good writing skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are expected.
Deadline : January 10th 2023
PhD position: Large-Scale Robotic 3D Concrete Printing
This PhD research project is associated with the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research Digital Fabrication (NCCR DFAB) – an interdisciplinary research program that aims at fostering a digital building culture and development of innovative design methods and construction technologies for architecture, engineering, and construction.
Building upon the ongoing research in 3DP concrete within the NCCR DFAB, this project concerns strategic advancements in 3D printing for increasing the field of possible architectural applications of this fabrication method. The doctoral thesis will be pursued in collaboration with research colleagues from other groups at ETH Zurich specializing in construction robotics, material science, and structural engineering. The project will start upon mutual agreement, earliest by December 1st, 2022.
Job description
Within this interdisciplinary endeavour, you will co-develop methods for large-scale robotically 3D printing with concrete. The project involves designing 3DP concrete structures and the development of custom software and hardware tools for large-scale reinforced concrete prototypes. Your research will encompass design studies, automatic data generation for 3DP, the development of print-path strategies, prototyping, and testing. The project aims to culminate in large-scale demonstrators to be produced in the Robotic Fabrication Laboratory of ETH Hönggerberg.
Your profile
We are looking for a talented and motivated architect, designer, or engineer with proven design and research experience. Your profile requires outstanding skills in computational design, 3D printing, and robotic fabrication, as well as an interest in hardware development. We expect programming experience (e.g. Python or C#) and hands-on experience with tool development. You must enjoy research through coding, physical prototyping, and architectural design.
You should be fluent in English, demonstrate a high level of initiative and independence, and enjoy working in a diverse and interdisciplinary research team. Furthermore, you must hold a Master’s degree acquired at the university level (equivalent to the FHEQ-Level 7) in architecture or related fields.
Deadline : Open until filled
