ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities of the world with a strong focus on science and engineering. In 2010 it established the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF) to do interdisciplinary research on pressing problems.
The centre currently runs several research programmes with the Future Cities Laboratory Global (FCL Global) as one of the programmes. It is home to a community of over 100 PhD, Postdoctoral and Professorial researchers working on diverse themes related to sustainable cities and resilient infrastructure systems. In the course of their work, researchers actively collaborate with universities, research institutes, industry, and government agencies with the aim of offering practical solutions.
Project background
The Circular Future Cities module (CFC) of FCL Global aims to develop a systems approach for informing the design of circular buildings with circular material flows in urban areas. This urban-scale systemic perspective enables us to study new technologies and their interdependencies at the level of the circular economy itself. The module will provide integrated frameworks and tools based on advanced digital technology for informing design and deploying effective circular solutions.
For more information on the project, consult our web page, or watch this lecture about the project.
CFC is looking for talented and motivated professionals to study, design, and develop these new circular technologies.
Join us if you want to:
- Work in a unique and world-leading research environment.
- Join an international team of highly talented researchers from top universities.
- Have the opportunity to shape and develop cutting edge research in circular economy in construction.
Job description
Within the module, you will work on the development of an Urban-scale Building Life-cycle Carbon Calculator in the form of a web app using relevant open-access technologies such as Cesium ion.
This carbon calculator web app will combine operational greenhouse gas emissions calculations with building material intensity estimates to combine these into building life-cycle carbon emissions (operational and embodied) for Singapore buildings and visualize these at the urban scale.
The carbon calculator web app is intended to be used by built environment professionals, policy makers, and any other interested parties that want to assess building lifecycle carbon emissions for Singapore at the urban scale and explore decarbonization scenarios. As such, there is an important emphasis to be placed on the UI experience and gamification of the web app.
Your key responsibilities will be:
- Research and development of the Urban-scale Building Life-cycle Carbon Calculator web app, advised by Prof Rudi Stouffs (NUS) and Dr Pieter Herthogs (SEC). This work includes, a.o.:
- Inventorying available data and calculation methods for building life-cycle carbon calculations at the urban scale
- Developing building life-cycle carbon calculator routines to estimate life-cycle carbon emissions including operational and embodied emissions
- Developing a web app to visualize the carbon emissions results at the urban scale
- Developing interactive ways to explore decarbonization scenarios within the web app
- Exploring and developing the UI experience and gamification of the web app
- Testing and validating the web app with users and stakeholders.
- Developing publications as lead-author and co-author.
- Supporting the research and project efforts of the Circular Future Cities module in general. This includes, a.o.:
- Participating in and contributing to team meetings and interactions with stakeholders.
- Supporting other module researchers, and the Module Coordinator.
- Presenting your research and that of the module to international audiences and visitors.
Profile
Mandatory Requirements:
You have:
- A Master’s degree in a field related to architecture.
- Demonstrable experience in web app development, demonstrated through portfolio and publications.
- Demonstrable experience developing or adapting related models or methods (a.o. LCA, carbon calculation, material flow analysis, input/output analysis).
- Demonstrable experience developing and publishing research related to carbon calculation applications, demonstrated through CV and publications.
- A minimum experience of two years as a researcher. (Salary will be commensurate with experience.)
You are:
- A self-motivated and independent researcher or developer.
- A good communicator:
- Proactive: you can signal issues, set and commit to targets
- Rational: you can clearly articulate ideas and thoughts
- Interpersonal: you are able to receive and provide constructive feedback
- A professional working proficiency in English is required.
- Comfortable with advanced programming tasks.
- Curious and passionate to explore new concepts, methods and technologies. You have the capability to identify and quickly learn the most suitable tools for the research on the go.
- Interested in topics related to the research, such as computational design, performative design, circular economy in construction, design for change, or life cycle analysis.
Significantly Beneficial Attributes:
- Detail-oriented and meticulous in your work.
- Able to adopt new programming languages for particular purposes.
- Able to collaborate with a small software development team.
- A team player: collaborative and constructive, and always open to help team members.
Desirable Attributes:
The ability to present your work and progress in an engaging and effective way.
Workplace
We offer
The Singapore-ETH-Centre is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer. All candidates will be evaluated on their merits and qualifications, without regards to gender, race, age or religion.chevron_rightWorking, teaching and research at Singapore-ETH Centre
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:
- A short cover letter explaining your interest in the project and position.
- Your CV, preferably tailored to this position.
- Contact details for at least 2 referees.
- One or two examples of an academic publication or document that you wrote (e.g. article, conference paper).
- One example of a slide deck (presentation) that you developed.
- A portfolio or compilation document that showcases related past work. While we encourage and consult digital and web-based portfolios, a summary or overview in pdf form is still recommended.
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Assoc. Prof. Dr Rudi Stouffs (NUS) stouffs@nus.edu.sg & Dr Pieter Herthogs (Singapore-ETH Centre) pieter.herthogs@sec.ethz.ch (no applications).