Physicist or Materials Scientist (80 - 100 %)

About the job

• Investigate novel material systems and innovative façade components as well as explore the physical fundamentals of current and future materials and building envelopes and develop new scientific approaches for façade and building systems.
• Combine experimental investigations, numerical simulations and data-driven methods to better understand the behaviour of materials, components and complete building envelopes. Work on topics such as AI in building physics, monitoring, condition assessment and adaptive façades as well as linking physical models with modern methods of data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Acquire research projects and demanding services as well as lead research projects in collaboration with industry and research partners and actively participate in them.
• Write reports, research proposals and scientific publications.
• Actively contribute to the development of new research focuses and competencies in the field of intelligent building envelopes.

• PhD or equivalent qualification in physics, materials science, engineering physics or a comparable discipline.
• Knowledge in building physics or material physics, ideally complemented by experience in the areas of building envelopes or façades, as well as experience in measurement technology, sensor technology and the experimental investigation of physical processes. Knowledge in numerical modelling, simulation or scientific computing.
• Willingness to familiarise yourself with building physics issues and the world of building envelopes.
• Scientific curiosity, analytical thinking and the ability to recognise complex relationships, combined with a critical engagement with existing methods as well as the development of new approaches and solutions. Independent, structured and goal-oriented working style, sense of responsibility as well as confident communication with research and industry partners and enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Motivation to help shape the building physics of tomorrow and to establish new research fields at the interface of physics, materials technology and buildings.

• Many contacts with young, inquisitive people from all over the world who want to achieve something.
• Curiosity is in demand, and not just a little. And a lot of independence and personal responsibility.
• Focus on practice-oriented research and the training of committed people rather than profit maximisation.
• Great freedom in designing working hours – including mobile working.
• Work together with smart minds from various professional fields who, like you, want to make a difference.

Barbara Zwahlen
HR Consultant
T +41 31 848 50 55

At the Department of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering we shape the built environment for the future. With partners from business and society, we develop pioneering solutions for sustainable living spaces and infrastructures and learn from nature through the material wood.