Teaching and Research Assistant at the Institute of Design and Architecture

Teaching and Research Assistant at the Institute of Design and Architecture

50%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Department of Architecture (D-ARCH) is one of the most highly regarded faculties of architecture in the world. It owes its prominent position to both the high quality of the teaching and the outstanding results of the research. This well-established approach to teaching and research, representing a long tradition, manifests itself in the structure of flexible design studios that work in close cooperation with the institutes, and it is experienced throughout all phases of Bachelor and Master studies at the D-ARCH as a holistic and open program.

More information can be found here.

Project background

The Chair of Architectural Behaviorology, led by Prof. Momoyo Kaijima, is engaged in teaching and research activities on Architectural Behaviorology, a design theory, and methodology. This multidisciplinary approach to architecture design combines insights from ethnography, production, economy, and other related fields to create an architectural landscape in which a diversity of actors, including humans, resources, and materials, are taken into the design process.

One of the major tasks of the Chair is teaching a second-year design studio, in which students will have hands-on experience in designing and drawing an architectural project, in research, and in teamwork, and will have the opportunity to present and argue their ideas.

The second-year design studio is organized as a two-semester-long course. During the autumn semester, the topic in our design studio will focus on housing and CAD drawing, while the spring semester’s focus is on public spaces and 1:1 mock-up building. Typically, there will be around 60 students per semester.

More information about the chair and the semesters can be found here.

Job description

Starting in the academic year 2024/2025, we are looking for teaching and research assistants (50%), to support the team in teaching the second-year design studio and in research. Your tasks will include:

• Preparation of materials and documents for the design studio
• Supporting the students to develop their projects during desk critiques
• Evaluating and grading the student projects
• Holding short input lectures and workshops for the studio

As a teaching assistant at the chair, you are expected to teach a combination of architectural design and research, both within the framework of Architectural Behaviorology. You will need to be able to understand the student’s ideas and help them further develop their projects. You need to have knowledge of structure, construction, and detailing to support the students also in these matters. Additionally, knowledge of research and research-based thinking will allow you to support the students in finding good and agreeable solutions for design problems. Studio days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

As a research assistant at our chair, you are expected to conduct research within the framework of Architectural Behaviorology. You will work on a wide field of existing research projects surrounding Window Behaviorology, Urban-Rural Commons, Housing in Switzerland, Architecture for Care, Shelter Projects, and others. Among other tasks, you will organize workshops, and seminar weeks, help with the editing and publishing of books, and arrange exhibitions.

Teaching and research assistant contracts are limited to one year, with the option of renewing the contract every year. The starting date of the contract will be the 1st of August 2024.

Your profile

You must have a master’s degree in architecture. Knowledge of English and (Swiss-) German is required. The design studios and research are largely taught and led in English, and (Swiss-) German is required for the exchange with local collaborators.

You bring good knowledge of the Swiss architectural landscape, including experience with construction, detailing and knowledge of the most common regulations. You will support the students with developing their projects, but you should also be able to work in this wide field of research and you must have a good understanding of architectural design practice and knowledge of Swiss culture and history. Professional experience (2-3 years) in an architectural office, including work on execution plans, is recommended.

Knowledge of French and/or Italian is welcome.

Applicants should live in Switzerland, ideally within the Zurich area.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

We value diversity

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application. Applications must be written in English and include:

• CV (max. 1 page)
• Portfolio with examples of architectural works and research, in pictures and text (max. 10 pages)
• Cover letter, explaining your motivation and your interest in Architectural Behaviorology (max. 1 page).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Applications will be accepted until the 8th of May. We expect to contact prospective candidates by the end of May.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Kelly Man via email: man@arch.ethz.ch (no applications).

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich applies.

We are looking forward to your application.

About ETH Zürich

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application. Applications must be written in English and include:

• CV (max. 1 page)
• Portfolio with examples of architectural works and research, in pictures and text (max. 10 pages)
• Cover letter, explaining your motivation and your interest in Architectural Behaviorology (max. 1 page).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Applications will be accepted until the 8th of May. We expect to contact prospective candidates by the end of May.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Kelly Man via email: man@arch.ethz.ch (no applications).

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich applies.

We are looking forward to your application.