PhD Position in 3D Printed Stone for Heritage Buildings
Develop advanced 3D printing technology to create custom stone replacement parts for historic building restoration.
Best for:Best for architects or engineers with strong digital fabrication skills and a passion for material-driven design research.
Overview
The Chair for Digital Building Technologies at ETH Zurich is seeking a doctoral researcher to advance 3D printing technology for the restoration of heritage stone structures. The project focuses on developing a laboratory-scale powder-bed printing system capable of spatially graded material deposition to produce compatible replacement parts. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of computational design, mechanical engineering, and material science, collaborating closely with a partner group investigating stone deterioration. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of architectural conservation through innovative digital fabrication techniques.
What you'll do
- Design, build, and commission a modular laboratory-scale powder-bed printer with dual powder and liquid feeds.
- Produce stone replacement parts for heritage buildings that meet conservation compatibility standards.
- Develop tectonic strategies for integrating printed elements into existing historic structures.
- Investigate material behavior through graded color, texture, and veining techniques.
- Collaborate with materials science researchers to create samples with engineered defects for deterioration studies.
- Contribute to teaching by supervising semester and master's student projects.
- Disseminate research findings through publications in leading venues and international conference presentations.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in architecture or a closely related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Excellent oral and written English; conversational German is an advantage.
Instruction: English
- Demonstrated experience in digital fabrication and prototyping.
- Proficiency in mechanical design and construction of fabrication equipment.
- Fluency in computational design software.
- Ability to translate digital models into physical results.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Submit your application exclusively through the online portal. Include a cover letter, CV, portfolio of design and fabrication work, and contact details for three references. Additionally, provide a link to a short, informal video (max 2 minutes) introducing yourself and your interest in the position.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Portfolio of design and fabrication work
- 3 reference contacts
Contact
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