Doctoral Fellowship in Landscape and Urban Studies

Doctoral Fellowship in Landscape and Urban Studies

ETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.

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 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.

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.

Applications should be addressed directly to the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS), rather than to individual professors. Please note that applications will be evaluated solely based on their content; applicants are therefore requested not to contact individual professors prior to applying.

We look forward to receiving your online application, including the following documents by 15 March 2025, 23:59 CET:

1. Letter of Motivation (1 page).
2. Outline for the Proposed Research Project (4 pages + addendums). The document should include the research title, a review of the current state-of-the-art related to the proposed topic, clearly defined research questions, articulated aims and objectives, anticipated formats for publication, and the rationale for why the LUS Institute is an ideal host for the proposed research. The main content must adhere to the 4-page limit, using 11 pt font and single-spacing. Supplementary pages may include up to three illustrations (maps, drawings, images), a bibliography, and a project timeline.
3. Curriculum Vitae (including publications, portfolio, and work samples, maximum 10 pages).
4. Published Piece of Writing (if available, 1 text, maximum 15 pages).
5. Names, Affiliations, and Email Addresses of 2 Referees.

Please note that applications missing any of the required documents listed above and/or exceeding the specified page limits will not be considered for evaluation.

The program exclusively accepts application documents submitted through the ETH online application portal. Applications submitted via email or postal mail will not be considered.

For further information about the program, the participating faculty, and the application process, please visit this page.

Application Timeline

• April 2025: Notification to shortlisted candidates.
• Early May 2025: Interviews with shortlisted candidates.
• End of May 2025: Notification to successful applicants.
• 1 October 2025: Start of the programme.

Further Information

Applicants are asked to consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before reaching out. If your question is not covered there, you may contact the doctoral program coordinator, Nazlı Tümerdem, at tuemerdem@arch.ethz.ch. Requests sent to any other email addresses will not be considered.

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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