The Chair of Infrastructure Management led by Professor Dr. Bryan T. Adey in the Institute of Construction and Infrastructure Management (IBI) of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG), in collaboration with Dr. Qian Chen’s Construction Integration and Digitalization group at the University of British Columbia, has an opening for a PhD student focused on data and process analysis to enable digital and optimized production decisions for building renovation.

As the world strives to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere, it strives to improve how buildings are renovated in terms of processes and products over the full renovation trajectory from ideation, over delivery, maintenance and end-of life phase.

A new EU Horizon research project entitled “Renovation with automation and optimization of processes and products” (RENOMIZE), is focused on helping to achieve these through development of,

• decision support tools for optimisation of building site preparations, integration of balconies and overhangs, and for the integration and selection of HVAC and RES technology;
• algorithms to improve process planning using advancements to spatiotemporal planning;
• an improved anchoring system and panel-panel connections, optimised for automized non-sequential mounting, de/re-mounting;
• a self-positioning system and end-effectors thereon to support autonomous anchor and panel placement;
• improved factory automation for cost reduction and quality improvement.

Within this project, the ETH will develop and test the digital spatio-temporal planning platform to achieve a more detailed assessment of disturbance to building occupants (noise, dust-creating activities, interventions in their apartment or commercial/educational space), planning of contractors (such as for indoor finishings, indoor adjustments for ventilation, and partial removals such as for windows), and identification of spaces on the construction site that are rich in biodiversity.

The goals of this PhD are

• to determine how to optimize the spatial-temporal renovation process of existing buildings considering the multiple stakeholders involved and the uncertainties associated with the construction process
• to demonstrate how the optimization process can be embedded in a spatio-temporal process optimization tool, using an existing BIM-RFID supply chain optimization tool developed at IBI as a starting point,
• to demonstrate the effectiveness of the tool through conducting tests on up to 8 typical renovation projects provided by partners, involving comparing the optimized processes with the current processes to reveal process improvements and bottlenecks.

The successful candidate for this position will be expected to work closely with a post-doctoral student who will devote 50% of their time to the project.

The work will require regular interaction with all the other 15 members, including both research institutions and construction companies.

The successful candidate for this PhD position will have a Master’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on or strong interest in construction, the use of digital tools including BIM, mathematical modelling for process optimization and process simulations. It is beneficial if the successful candidate has a good grasp of Python, API development of parametric design software and the use of Internet of Things devices such as Geotags. The research will be conducted in English. A good working knowledge of German is, however, a benefit. The candidate is expected to have good communication and presentation skills.

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.

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 before the 31st of October 2024 including the following documents: letter of interest, a publication in which you were first author, a curriculum vitae (with list of publications and contact information of at least two referees), grades of all university courses taken as well as diplomas. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via e-mail or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about the position, please contact Ms. Natalie Dietrich by e-mail: dietrich@ibi.baug.ethz.ch (no applications) and visit our website.

Screening of applications starts on 01 November 2024. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Starting date: The preferred start date is 01 January 2025, although others are possible.

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

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.