The Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS) at the Department of Architecture ETH Zurich offers two doctoral fellowship positions starting 1 October 2023.

About the Programme

The language of instruction of the doctoral programme is English. With over 25 participants currently enrolled, the LUS Doctoral Programme cultivates both individual research and collective exchange within the doctoral community. These modes of exchange include the LUS methods seminar, institute-wide colloquia, workshops, and doctoral reviews. The LUS Doctoral Programme is part of a larger, highly stimulating environment of doctoral education offered within the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich. A close collaboration with the Doctoral Programme in History and Theory of Architecture offered by the GTA Institute has been established.

Participating Chairs at the LUS

While an overall alignment between the research proposed by the candidates and the individual and collective research agendas of the participating chairs at the LUS Institute is desirable, candidates are free to apply with an independent research topic. The following seven chairs currently form part of the LUS Institute:

• Chair of History and Theory of Urban Design, Prof. Dr Tom Avermaete
• Chair of Architecture and Housing, Prof. Maria Conen
• Chair of Landscape Architecture, Prof. Teresa Galí-Izard
• Chair of Architecture and Urban Design, Prof. Hubert Klumpner
• Chair of Architecture and Urban Transformation, Prof. Freek Persyn
• Chair of Sociology, Prof. Dr Christian Schmid
• Chair of Architecture and Territorial Planning, Prof. Milica Topalovic

The Doctoral Programme at the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS), DARCH, ETH Zurich, focuses on contemporary issues of urban and environmental transformation within their broader socio-cultural, political-economic, and theoretical contexts. The programme seeks to promote critical discourse and to cultivate independent, inventive, and proactive research addressing urgent social and environmental challenges.

The LUS Institute tackles the production of landscape, territory, and human settlements across a range of scales and diverse geographies. Research areas currently in the foreground include studies around landscape and designed ecologies, energy transition, agroecology, hydrology, regenerative agriculture, adaptive infrastructures, housing, and socio-economic development addressing urban inequality. The geographical focus of the LUS Institute lies mostly within Switzerland, Europe, and across the wider global South.  

The doctoral programme at the LUS Institute therefore attempts to bring together the disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design and planning, and the social sciences. Inter- and transdisciplinary research thus lies at the core of the LUS Institute. It is practiced through a diverse set of methodological approaches, both qualitative and quantitative, ranging from ethnographic research and critical cartography to design-based action research, systems research and urban theory.

• We are seeking individuals with a background in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design and planning, and social sciences, with strong research or design experience that can benefit from the inter- and transdisciplinary engagements offered by the institute.
• You must hold a university diploma or master’s degree obtained the at university level (equivalent to the FHEQ-Level 7) in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and social science, or related fields acquired.
• You must additionally demonstrate excellent research and writing skills.

The programme offers to fund for only up to three years. You will receive full employment (100% Pensum), based on the ETH Zurich doctoral student contract, with monthly salaries according to the ‘standard rate’. For a detailed calculation of salaries please refer here.

You are required to take up residency in Zurich during the period of the scholarship.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by 15 March 2023 (23:59 CET):

• Letter of motivation (1 page).
• Outline of the proposed research project (max. 4 pages + max. 3 illustrations + bibliography and project timeline).
• Curriculum vitae (including publications, portfolio, and work samples, max. 10 pages).
• Published piece of writing if available (1 text, max. 15 pages)
• Name, affiliation, and email addresses of 2 referees

Please note that applications missing any of the documents listed above, and/or exceeding specified page limits will not be considered for evaluation.

The programme exclusively accepts application documents submitted through our online portal. Applications submitted via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the programme, the participating faculty and the application process

Application Timeline

• 15 March 2023: Submission deadline (23:59 CET).
• Middle of April 2023: Notification to shortlisted candidates.
• End of April 2023: Interviews with shortlisted candidates.
• Beginning of May 2023: Notification to successful applicants.

Applicants are requested to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before approaching the programme coordinator. Only for questions that cannot be addressed through the FAQs contact the doctoral programme coordinator Nitin Bathla at bathla@arch.ethz.ch. Requests sent to any other email will not be considered. 

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.