Published Date: 12.12.2023.
Design++, is the new Center for Augmented Computational Design in Architecture, Engineering and Construction at ETH Zurich. The vision of the center is to create novel solutions to address pressing sustainability challenges while advancing systematic construction productivity and striving for high-quality built environmental spaces. In Design++, we see that the path to such a future within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is via innovation in computational methods, artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR). To achieve this, Design++ supports collaborative, cross-departmental research activities and industry exchange.
This position as a postdoc, PhD, or software engineer will be hosted by the Chair of Circular Engineering for Architecture (CEA). The CEA develops research on matching reused architectural materials & projects through digitalization for circularity. Building design projects are often complex, multi-variant problems addressed by numerous parties working in separate silos. The construction industry can learn from other sectors about adopting digital technologies and circular strategies. Automating the reuse of materials in architecture can fill this gap by connecting actors across the value chain.
Project background
The new Albert Lück Foundation Lighthouse project on Extended Reality for Inspection, Assembly, and Operations for net-zero carbon infrastructure, hosted within Design++, is a four-year project which aims to develop cutting-edge research on a flexible and interactive XR platform for engineers, architects, and contractors to inspect, assemble and operate the net-zero carbon infrastructure of tomorrow.
Extended reality (XR) has the potential to change the way we work and communicate in the AEC industry. It can empower all stakeholders to take decisions with real-time feedback, using portable hardware to communicate and interact with digital technology such as sensors, AI and/or other domain-specific algorithms. By offering the unique possibility to overlay relevant digital information in one’s field of view, XR makes it possible to imagine situations where tasks could be performed more efficiently or more intelligently. For example, it could offer representations of physical changes required for structural refurbishment and localization of zones calling for structural inspection to support longer use or reuse of structural elements, or immersive visualizations of real-time operational energy data to support maintenance and operations targeted at achieving ambitious embodied carbon reduction and operational energy performance goals. In short, XR can provide immersive experiences with data-enriched environments and real-time feedback loops towards a more circular, and sustainable built environment.
This project would leverage the infrastructure and know-how of Design++, including the Immersive Design Lab, XR hardware and related computational expertise. At the same time, the project will also develop unique research focusing on XR for inspection, assembly (including dis- and re-assembly), operations, towards net-zero carbon emissions and circularity for civil infrastructure.
Job description
The project will be carried out by an XR Team: a postdoc, a doctoral student and an XR technical expert over four years. The XR Team is responsible for conducting cutting-edge research and developing methods and tools with the goal of delivering a flexible plug-and-play toolbox that can be applied in three exemplary projects for inspection, assembly (including dis- and re-assembly), and operations. The toolbox should be developed as an extensible XR platform such that other researchers within the AEC and ETH community can adapt it to create their own XR pipelines. The aim is not only to push the research in XR technology but also to lower the barrier of entry, democratizing the use of XR in AEC and further extending the impact of this lighthouse project. Being domain- and material-agnostic, the XR team will provide unique leverage to the large body of ongoing research in sustainable construction, across disciplines, specializations, materials, and structural systems.
The Postdoc, PhD or software engineer in XR applications will be employed by Professor Catherine De Wolf, the chair of Circular Engineering for Architecture (CEA), a steering committee member of Design++. The responsibilities of this position are to:
- Lead the software development and implementation required to establish the XR platform;
- Work collaboratively with the other two team members to efficiently execute the outlined tasks and deliverables throughout the life of the project;
- Support other XR Team members, as well as additional professors interested in evaluating the potential of XR in their research projects;
- Collaborate cross-functionally and lead the XR demonstrator on assembly (including dis- and re-assembly) for net-zero carbon infrastructure.
- We value an open and inclusive group culture. As a member of Design++, you will be expected to help maintain a positive team dynamic and a welcoming work environment.
Your profile
Minimum Qualifications
- We are looking for a highly organized and motivated individual with a background in engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering or another relevant field.
- Experience developing and deploying XR applications for both handheld and head-mounted devices using Unity, Unreal, Cider, MR toolkit for Microsoft (MRTK), ARCore and/or ARKit.
- Proficiency in computer programming languages such as Python, C++, C#.
- Experience with real-time, lightweight data management systems.
- Ability to work in English, verbal and written. Knowledge of German is welcome but not required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with data collection methods (e.g. point cloud scanners, reality capture technologies, environmental sensors).
- Experience with data pre- and post- processing and data visualization.
- Experience with life cycle assessment tools (e.g. EcoInvent, GaBI, SimaPro).
Your workplace
We offer
At Design++, we offer a modern, dynamic, multidisciplinary and international work environment. The project team will be embedded within Design++ and therefore have access to the network of experts across ETH, the world-leading Immersive Design Lab, and state-of-the-art XR equipment, and will join a growing cohort of motivated and talented researchers. chevron_rightWorking, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
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.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents (all in PDF format):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV_LastName.pdf);
- Letter of motivation of max. 1 page covering your past experiences and future interests, goals and how they would relate to and fit in with the project and Design++’s research domain and activities (Motivation_LastName.pdf);
- 2-minute video (link to YouTube or Vimeo) introducing yourself and statement of motivation, please put the link in full on a PDF (Video_LastName.pdf);
- A written research statement of no more than 2 pages including references outlining the work you would like to do in this position (Statement_LastName.pdf);
- Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of at least two references, mentioning for each the professional relationship you have with them (References_LastName.pdf).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted on PDFs through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about Design++ can be found on our website: designplusplus.ai. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Danielle Griego via email at [email protected] (no application documents).
For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.
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