Scientific Assistant in Landscape Architectural Design
ETH Zürich
Schweiz
Scientific Assistant (Teaching and Research) Specializing in Landscape Architectural Design
40%-80%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Chair of Landscape Architecture and Geohistorical Practice (Assist. Professor Aisling O’Carroll) at the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated scientific assistant to support the research teaching activities of the chair. The position is fixed-term, nine months, running to the end of February 2027, with the possibility of extension.
Project background
The Chair of Landscape Architecture and Geohistorical Practice, led by Assist. Prof. Aisling O’Carroll, is engaged in research and teaching activities on the Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MScLA) program. The Chair develops uniquely interdisciplinary design and history and theory research for landscape architecture. Through geohistorical practice, we integrate tools from natural sciences and humanities with those of the designer to create proposals that include a diversity of actors and address urgent climate challenges. Our research activities bridge landscape architectural design with expanded considerations of history and theory, developing methodologies to integrate digital sensing, drawing and modelling, archival research, and design practice for reading and adapting landscapes in transformation under climate change.
In addition to research, one of the major teaching tasks of the Chair is to deliver the MScLA second-year advanced design studio. In this studio, students develop large-scale landscape architectural proposals through directed research and iterative design study. The studio methods integrate field work, archival and historical study, and digital and analogue design methods. Students are challenged to address dynamic and transforming landscapes by considering their histories — human and non-human — in relation to their current and future trajectories.
This second-year design studio is taught during the autumn semester while the spring semester has focus on preparation and research. Typically, there will be around 20 students per semester.
The ETH Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MScLA), is embedded within the Department of Architecture (D-ARCH), one of the most highly regarded faculties of architecture in the world. It owes its prominent position to both the high quality of the teaching and the outstanding results of the research. The programme prepares a new generation of landscape architects to respond to increasingly complex situations and unforeseen phenomena. By centering observation, experimentation, and synthetic thinking, it enables students to imagine creative and sustainable solutions on the scale of the city and landscape.
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Job description
We are looking for a scientific assistant(s) (40-80%), to support the team through research activities and teaching the MSc Landscape Architecture advanced design studio. Each task, teaching and research, individually constitutes a 40% role. Candidates may apply for one of the roles specifically (40%) or both roles (80%). Your tasks will include:
Research (40%):
- Work in close collaborations with researchers within the chair and other groups to develop investigations and public dissemination of work
- Take constructive direction and guidance for research development while bringing independent ideas and motivation to the work
- Conduct original research involving fieldwork, archival research, design studies
- Contribute to project management and timeline
- Develop contacts and collaborations with other interdisciplinary researchers as well as public institutions
- Contribute to collaborative paper writing and publish results in peer-reviewed venues
- Develop public-facing exhibitions and installations to communicate research findings
Teaching (40%):
- Preparation of materials and documents for the design studio
- Organizing and running the design studio
- Supporting the students to develop their projects during desk critiques
- Evaluating and grading the student projects
- Holding short input lectures for the studio
- Organizing and running the studio fieldtrip
- Coordinating with other related modules taught by the chair
As a teaching assistant at the chair, you are expected to teach a combination of landscape architectural design and research. You will need to be able to understand the student’s ideas and to help them further developing their projects. You need to have knowledge of:
- Landscape historical research
- A range of design methods and 2D, 3D, and time-based representational tools (analogue and digital) to guide students in iteratively developing proposals and communicating ideas
- Experience with fieldwork
Additionally, knowledge of research and research-based thinking will allow you to support the students in finding innovative solutions for design problems.
Studio days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
This scientific assistant position(s) (teaching and research assistant) is fixed-term, with the possibility of extension, and a tentative start date of June 1, 2026.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an interest in contributing to long-term research to shape future landscape architecture practice. You must have:
- Experience in research and teaching
- A strong curiosity for the natural sciences and an interest in interdisciplinary work
- An interest in research-driven work that integrates conceptual thinking, experimentation, and making
- Design experience in landscape architecture, with a master’s degree in architecture or landscape architecture
- Be able to teach and research in English, as the design studios are held in English. Additionally, knowledge of German is desirable for research and the exchange with local collaborators
- Working experience in a landscape architecture office is desirable to support the students on developing their projects
Workplace
We offer
- Personal and professional development through part-time research and teaching that actively contribute to positive change in society
- A collaborative working environment where you can contribute to disciplinary research questions are a world-renowned academic institution
- An engaged, international community of researchers and educators
- An intellectually open environment, encouraging experimentation, reflection, and innovation
- Opportunities to build interdisciplinary collaborations and network connections through both research and teaching activities
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We value diversity and sustainability
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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application, written in English, with the following documents:
- Motivation letter, please state clearly what position and percentage role you are applying for: research assistant (40%), teaching assistant (40%), or combined research and teaching positions (80%) (1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (5 pages max.)
- Portfolio, including research and teaching samples (20 pages max.)
- Contact information for two references, at least one should be academic if possible
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with an intended start date of June 1, 2026. For additional information or in case of any queries, please contact, Johanna Just, just@arch.ethz.ch.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
About ETH Zürich
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.
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