PhD on Computational Design & 3D Clay Printing for Environmentally Performative Architecture

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Sustainability in its broadest definition is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof safe healthy inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology engineering design and human behavior disciplines in the built environment with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Introduction

Are you eager to contribute to shaping the future of additive manufacturing with clay Are you interested in how 3D clay printing and computational design can be used to develop environmentally performative columns and cladding systems while also drawing from historical and vernacular knowledge Then join us in advancing digital fabrication for a post-carbon built environment!

Job Description

This fully funded PhD position invites applications from candidates interested in the intersection ofcomputational design robotic fabrication and environmentally performative architecture. The research will investigate how3D printed clay systemscolumns claddings and related architectural elementscan function asmaterially driven climate regulators providing passive environmental comfort while also advancing architectural expression.

As buildings account for a significant proportion of global energy use and carbon emissions the transition toward post-carbon design requires new approaches to materials and construction systems. This PhD project positionsclay one of humanitys oldest building materials at the forefront of contemporary debates on sustainable architecture. By combiningrobotic extrusion techniqueswithparametric design methodologies the research will explore how unfired or low-fired earthen components can be fabricated to achieve measurable improvements inthermal regulation humidity buffering and acoustic performance.

The project is equally concerned with thecultural and historical dimensionsof environmental design. It will engage withhistorical and vernacular applications of clay in exteriors interiors columns and cladding systems while also speculating on how new clay-based digital fabrication practices might reframe architectural responses to the climate crisis. Through the production ofcomputationally generated prototypesand the development of acritical theoretical framework the PhD will articulate both technical innovations and broader design imaginaries.

The successful candidate will join an international and interdisciplinary research environment that brings together expertise incomputational design digital fabrication and architectural history/theory. The project will be situated within ongoing explorations ofrobotic fabrication computational design and post-mechanical comfort systemsin architecture.

Job Requirements

• A masters degree in a relevant field (e.g computational design advanced robotic fabrication architecture).
• Experience working on topics related to 3d clay printing custom g-code and slicer development computational design (lab work prototyping).
• Interest in developing new complementary skills to the research topic.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level) proven by an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful green campus within walking distance of the central train addition we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme paid pregnancy and maternity leave partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities scale P (min. 3059 max. 3881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure on-campus childrens day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Dipl.-Ing. C. Nan .

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Jennifer Berkhout HR advisor .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Portfolio with relevant projects showcasing computational design and robotic fabrication.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.