Open Doctoral Researcher Position at ICD: Architectural Building System Design
The Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD - Prof. Achim Menges) at the University of Stuttgart is starting to build teams for two Horizon Europe research projects and invites applications for an open position:
- RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: DOCTORAL RESEARCHER (TV-L E13)
The position is within one of ICD’s upcoming Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder Challenge projects focused on “Towards autonomous robot collectives delivering collaborative tasks in dynamic unstructured construction environments”, which are also associated with the Cluster of Excellence Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture (IntCDC). The project will develop robotic construction methods for the autonomous on-site assembly of modular timber structures. It combines robot-ready timber building systems with existing construction machinery and novel mobile robots to automate the transport, positioning, and joining of timber components for both new buildings and the retrofitting of existing buildings.
As part of this interdisciplinary project, the advertised position focuses on architectural building system design. Specifically, it aims to develop timber-based building systems and construction methods that enable full robotic assembly for both new construction scenarios and the retrofitting of existing buildings, including façade and building envelope applications.
More information about the Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder Challenge can be found here: Pathfinder Challenge
Research topics:
- Develop architectural building systems and related modular timber construction methods, including connection details and assembly logics
- Develop robotic retrofitting strategies for timber-based facade modules and building envelopes on existing buildings
- Contribute to the design, fabrication, and evaluation of physical timber building demonstrators
We expect you to have:
- A master’s degree in architecture or engineering.
- Knowledge of timber construction.
- Experience in architectural and/or construction practice.
- Experience with programming (e.g., Python, C#) is beneficial but not required.
- A high level of motivation, team spirit and interest in interdisciplinary work
- A strong ability to work independently.
- Excellent English language skills; German is beneficial but not required.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to conduct doctoral research within interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research projects.
- Participation in close interdisciplinary collaboration with leading European research and industry partners
- Teaching experience in topics related to your research as part of the international Integrative Technologies & Architectural Design Research M.Sc. Program (ITECH).
- Access to the interdisciplinary research environment and outstanding research infrastructure of the Cluster of Excellence Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture (IntCDC) and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems.
The expected start date is November 1, 2026, but may be negotiable to meet individual requirements.
Applications (including a CV, a statement of interest, a portfolio of work, research/publication samples, and a list of computational design and digital fabrication skills indicating proficiency levels) should be submitted as a single PDF file (maximum file size is strictly 10MB) to mail@icd.uni-stuttgart.de with the subject line “Architectural Building System Design”.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The initial application deadline is July 20, 2026.
The Institute for Computational Design and Construction offers the opportunity to work with one of the leading teams in computational design, fabrication and construction research. ICD has built an internationally recognized track-record of pioneering research and demonstrator buildings, attracting world class researchers: www.icd.uni-stuttgart.de
The Cluster of Excellence IntCDC provides a unique environment for conducting integrative and interdisciplinary research for advancing architecture, engineering and construction: www.intcdc.uni-stuttgart.de
As the University of Stuttgart strives to improve gender equality amongst its researchers, applications by women are particularly encouraged. Individuals with disabilities will be preferably employed where qualifications are deemed equal. All research associates will be employed through University of Stuttgart's central administration.