Postdoc for Robotic Fabrication in Construction (m/w/d), EG 13 TV-H

Postdoc for Robotic Fabrication in Construction (m/w/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term and full-time position (currently 40 hours per week)

Application deadline:

19.07.2024

Date of hire:

as soon as possible

vacancy number:37444

The position is initially limited to three years as part of the Volkswagen Foundation's momentum project "Robotic BioConstruction - towards Large-scale Circular Fabrication Processes with Biomaterials in Architecture" (WissZeitVG).

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoc to join our research team in advancing sustainable digitalization in architecture and construction through bio-fabrication. As part of our team, you will work towards creating large-scale bio-fabrication in construction, bringing together material science, computation, and digital fabrication with living and non-living biomaterials.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in areas Architecture, Engineering or other related fields, with a particular focus on digital fabrication, robotics, and/or bio-based materials. They will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of experts in materials science, architecture, robotics and engineering to develop a new, unique robotic biofabrication infrastructure, explore novel bio-materials, re-use of waste materials, and bio-joining, and develop modular soft- and hardware for design and fabrication.

The role requires strong technical skills, including expertise in computational design, digital fabrication, robotics and tool-design, and biofabrication. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing experiments, designing and building biofabrication prototypes, and analyzing data using simulation and machine learning to predict and program material behavior. The candidate will work on designing and fabricating processes with biomaterials and advanced robotic fabrication equipment.

The successful candidate will have excellent written and spoken English communication skills and be able to work effectively in a team environment. German skills are a plus. The candidate will have a strong publication record and a desire to contribute to high-quality publications in leading international journals.

This is a 100% position, initially for three years with the possibility of extension, depending on performance and funding. We offer a highly stimulating research environment with state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to work with leading experts in the field. Hybrid work arrangements with partial remote work are also possible, upon agreement.

If you are passionate about computational design and digital fabrication and want to contribute to advancing methods for digital sustainable fabrication and bringing biomaterials closer to practice, then we want to hear from you. Please send your CV / Portfolio and a cover letter describing your research interests and experience, as well as your motivation for applying for this position.

The department of "Experimental and Digital Design and Construction" is dedicated to the research and teaching of computational design and fabrication processes in architecture, which are developed interaction between the adjacent disciplines of construction, engineering and design. Material properties, structural calculations and manufacturing technology are directly incorporated into the design process via digital design logic and are closely interlinked. The effects of the changing production conditions due to digitalisation on architecture are examined using empirical research and study projects. In this context, robotics represents a central design tool with which novel digital building processes are developed.

Tasks:

• Scientific collaboration in research and teaching in the above-mentioned project

• Participation in current research projects in the field of computational design, robotic fabrication, material development, and biofabrication

• Development of digital fabrication strategies for sustainable construction

Requirements:

• Master’s or Diploma degree and completed dissertation in architecture, design or engineering, with research experience in digital fabrication, robotics, or biofabrication. The required degree must be available by the hiring date at the latest.

• Good knowledge of English or German

• Interest in interdisciplinary teamwork within architecture, engineering and robotics

Advantageous are:

• Knowledge of scripting / programming (e.g. Python, C#)

• Prior knowledge of robotic/digital fabrication

• Thorough and independent way of working

• A high level of organizational skills and teamwork

Prof. Philipp Eversmann is available for questions, Tel.: +49 561 804-2373, E-Mail: Eversmann(at)asl.uni-kassel.de.