Open Doctoral Researcher Position at ICD: Computational Design
The Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD - 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 projects will address the challenge in the construction sector of transitioning toward digitally integrated, robot-enabled construction systems. Within this context, the projects will develop novel approaches to construction with a focus on modular building systems and autonomous multi-robot assembly, which require a high level of integration between design, fabrication, and construction.
As part of this interdisciplinary project, the advertised position focuses on the computational design of modular building systems for robotic construction. Specifically, it aims to develop integrated digital workflows that combine architectural design, structural engineering, robotic assembly constraints, and fabrication requirements within a unified computational framework. The position will investigate how computational design, simulation, and optimization methods can support the generation, evaluation, and refinement of modular building systems intended for autonomous assembly by collaborative robot teams.
More information about the Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder Challenge can be found here: Pathfinder Challenge
Research topics:
- Develop computational design methods for architectural building systems, integrating structural, material, robotic and fabrication constraints
- Develop design-to-fabrication pipelines for modular building elements
- Develop integrated digital simulation and optimisation frameworks for building component and building system design
- Contribute to the design, fabrication, and evaluation of physical building demonstrators
We expect you to have:
- A master’s degree in architecture, engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.
- Expertise in computational design methods and robotic fabrication/construction.
- Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, C#). Experience with AI methods is beneficial.
- A high level of motivation, team spirit and interest in interdisciplinary work
- A strong ability to work independently.
- Excellent English language skills.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to conduct doctoral research within interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research projects.
- Participation in close interdisciplinary collaboration with leading European research 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 “Computational 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.