Chair of Sustainable Construction at ETH Zurich
The Chair of Sustainable Construction at ETH Zurich is dedicated to embedding sustainability within the disciplines of the built environment. We are targeting September 2026 as the starting date (or upon agreement).
About Us
The climate crisis necessitates urgent, systemic transformation in our design, building, and learning processes. Our team of scientists, engineers, and architects focuses on grounding sustainability in the built environment. Our objective is to identify key parameters that influence the environmental impacts of buildings and implement regenerative practices through innovative strategies tailored to each actor involved. This work involves interdisciplinary collaboration and is informed by life cycle assessment (LCA), urban metabolism, and material science.
Educational Initiatives
Alongside our research and industry partnerships, we conduct experimental workshops for students (BSc, MSc) and professionals (CAS, MAS) to enhance awareness and train participants in the use of regenerative materials. Over the past decade, we have developed a rich body of teaching content characterized by its trans-material and trans-disciplinary approach.
Position Overview
We are seeking a colleague to enhance pedagogical innovation and our hands-on education program in regenerative materials. The role encompasses pedagogy, experimentation, material practice, and coordination, and involves designing, coordinating, and delivering experimental learning formats (2-hour, half-day, full-day, one-week) that translate materials science into architectural and engineering practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a coherent pedagogy grounded in:
- Learning by doing and iterative experimentation.
- “Matter before material”: understanding various material phases through intuitive and phenomenological experiments.
- Multisensory exercises that facilitate intuitive understanding.
- Tools that connect microstructure and material performance to structural/architectural form.
- Transdisciplinary intervention based on role play and design thinking.
- Co-create and run workshops on earth/clay, mineral binders, and fibers, including material preparation, safe lab protocols, and logistics.
- Build and maintain a digital and physical library of teaching resources, including experiment sheets and educational modules.
- Support ETH staff and external partners in adopting and adapting pedagogical practices.
- Contribute to research-aligned teaching connecting workshop insights with ongoing chair projects.
- Assist in developing coherent teaching content for material development tailored to local resources.
Qualifications
- Passion for regenerative construction and the future of the built environment.
- Interest in local resources and contemporary interpretations aligned with circular and low-carbon construction.
- Academic or professional background in architecture, civil/material engineering, materials science, environmental design, or a related field (Master's or PhD preferred).
- Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering experimental higher education or professional training.
- Experience in workshop facilitation focused on strong group dynamics and safety culture.
- Proficiency in material characterization and formulation, particularly with earth/clay and biobased materials.
- Abilities in creating engaging learning media—protocols, visuals, videos, documentation.
- Excellent communication skills (English required; German and/or French is a plus).
- Strong organizational skills for planning and logistics.
- A team-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- A valid driving license for local transport of materials and equipment.
What We Offer
- A welcoming, interdisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and scientists.
- Opportunities to shape a flagship, hands-on education module at the intersection of material science, design, and sustainability.
- Access to labs, workshops, and prototyping spaces for developing innovative teaching experiments.
- A supportive culture of trust, kindness, and co-creation; commitment to professional development.
- Employment conditions in accordance with ETH Zurich guidelines.
To apply, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Contact Information
For further information about the Chair of Sustainable Construction, please visit our website. For inquiries regarding the position, contact Prof. Dr. Guillaume Habert at habertg@ethz.ch. Please do not send applications by email.