Doctoral Fellowship in Landscape and Urban Studies

The Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS) at the ETH Zurich Department of Architecture invites applications for one doctoral fellowship position. The fellowship will start on 1 October 2025 , with a 100% workload, based in Zurich, and is fixed-term for three-and-a-half years. Project background The LUS Doctoral Program The doctoral program at the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS), ETH Zurich D-ARCH, tackles contemporary challenges in urban and environmental transformation within broader socio-cultural, political-economic, and theoretical contexts. In light of the planetary crises, the program fosters critical discourse and supports independent, innovative, and proactive research aimed at addressing urgent socio-ecological issues. The LUS Institute examines the production of landscapes, territories, and human settlements across various scales and diverse global geographies, including Switzerland, Europe, and other territories in the so-called Global North and Global South. Key research areas encompass designed ecologies, energy landscapes, agroecology, hydrology, regenerative agriculture, adaptive infrastructures, more-than-human landscapes, indigenous territories, housing, and socio-economic development. The doctoral program at the Institute adopts an inter- and transdisciplinary approach, integrating architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design, planning, urban theory and history, as well as the social sciences. It embraces a diverse range of methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, ranging from multispecies ethnography to critical cartography and participatory action research to non-representational methodologies. The doctoral program is conducted in English and currently has an enrolment of 25 participants. The LUS doctoral program encourages both individual research and collaborative engagement within the doctoral community, fostering a vibrant academic environment. The program offers a variety of platforms for interaction and exchange, including the LUS methods seminar , institute-wide colloquia, workshops, and doctoral reviews. Embedded in the dynamic doctoral education environment of the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich, the LUS doctoral program maintains an active collaboration with the doctoral program at the Institute of History and Theory of Architecture (gta), ETH Zurich. This collaboration enhances interdisciplinary perspectives and expands research opportunities for participants. Participating Chairs at the LUS While it is advantageous for the proposed research to align with the individual and/or collective research agendas of the participating chairs at the LUS Institute, candidates are also encouraged to apply with independent research topics that resonate with the Institute’s broader areas of expertise and competencies. The LUS Institute currently consists of seven chairs, each contributing uniquely to its diverse research landscape: Chair of History and Theory of Urban Design, Prof. Dr. Tom Avermaete Chair of Architecture and Housing, Prof. Maria Conen Chair of Landscape Architecture, Prof. Dr. Teresa Galí-Izard Chair of Architecture and Urban Design, Prof. Hubert Klumpner Chair of Architecture and Urban Transformation, Prof. Freek Persyn Chair of Architecture and Territorial Planning, Prof. Milica Topalovic Chair of Landscape Architecture, Prof. Martina Voser Job description Employment, Residence & Funding The program provides funding for up to three-and-a-half years. Successful candidates will be employed at 100% Pensum under the ETH Zurich doctoral student contract, with monthly salaries based on the standard ETH Zurich rates. For a detailed calculation of salaries, please refer to this link . Residency in Zurich is required for the duration of the scholarship. Profile We are seeking individuals with a background in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design and planning, and the social sciences, who have strong research or design experience and can benefit from the inter- and transdisciplinary engagements offered by the Institute. Applicants must hold a university diploma or master’s degree obtained at university level (equivalent to FHEQ Level 7) in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, social sciences, or related fields. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate excellent research and writing skills. We offer The program provides funding for up to three-and-a-half years. You will be employed at full employment (100% pensum), based on the ETH Zurich doctoral student contract, with monthly salaries according to the ‘standard rate’. For a detailed calculation of salaries, please refer to this link . You are required to take up residency in Zurich during the period of the scholarship. 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