Teaching and Research Assistant (3 positions)

Architectural Behaviorology: Teaching and Research Positions

The Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich is a globally recognized institution for both teaching and research. The Chair of Architectural Behaviorology, led by Prof. Momoyo Kaijima, seeks dedicated individuals to join its team. Three positions are available: a Teaching Assistant (40%) starting January 2027, a Research Assistant (40%) starting January 2027, and a Teaching Assistant (40%) starting August 2027.

Project Background and Research Focus

Since 2017, the Chair has investigated architectural form through the lens of behaviors, including those of climate, materials, humans, non-humans, and architectural typologies. This approach aims to understand architecture within ecological networks, enhancing accessibility to resources and identifying shared commons. The Chair views practice, research, and education as an integrated, cyclical activity where theory and practice mutually inform and shape one another.

Recognizing that architecture is grounded in specific places, the Chair explores its relationship to regional lifestyles across urban, mountainous, and agricultural contexts. This work addresses gaps in architectural discourse, particularly the divide between areas of consumption and production. Current research projects include:

• Swiss Window Journey: A study of window typologies across Switzerland.
• Valley Section: An examination of Swiss industrial heritage through territorial cross-sections.
• Housing, Shelter, and Care Behaviorology: Addressing domestic, post-disaster, and healthcare environments.
• Structural and spatial experiments rooted in Behaviorology, developed in collaboration with other ETH chairs.

In teaching, the Chair leads a second-year Design Studio where approximately 70 students are introduced to the methodologies of Architectural Behaviorology and Actor Network Theory. These tools serve both for designing architecture and for understanding the built, lived, and social environment. Students gain hands-on experience in designing and drawing architectural projects, conducting research, working in teams, building 1:1 structures, and presenting and defending their ideas.

Roles and Responsibilities

Teaching Assistant (40%)

As a Teaching Assistant, you will teach a combination of architectural design and research within the framework of Architectural Behaviorology. You will understand students' ideas and help them develop their projects further. Your knowledge of structure, construction, and detailing will allow you to support them in these matters, while your research-based thinking will help them find good, workable solutions to design problems. Studio days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Your tasks include:

• Preparation of materials and documents for the design studio.
• Supporting students in developing their projects.
• Evaluating and grading student projects.
• Holding short input lectures and workshops for the studio.

Research Assistant (40%)

As a Research Assistant, you will conduct research within the framework of Architectural Behaviorology. You will work across a broad range of ongoing research projects, including Window Behaviorology, Urban-Rural Commons, Housing in Switzerland, and Architecture for Care. Among other tasks, you will:

• Organize workshops and seminar weeks.
• Help edit and publish books.
• Arrange exhibitions.

Contracts for teaching and research assistants are limited to one year and can be renewed annually for up to six years.

Profile and Requirements

You have:

• A master’s degree in architecture.
• Good knowledge of English and (Swiss) German; design studios and research are mostly taught and led in English, while German is needed to work with local collaborators.
• Solid knowledge of the Swiss architectural landscape, including construction, detailing, and the most common regulations.
• A good understanding of architectural design practice, and of the Swiss socio-economic, cultural, historical, and political context.
• Residence in Switzerland, ideally in the Zurich area.

Ideally, you also have:

• 2-3 years of professional experience, including work on execution plans.
• Knowledge of French or Italian.

Benefits

Join ETH Zurich, an institution that supports professional development and actively contributes to positive change in society. You can expect numerous benefits, such as:

• Public transport season tickets and car sharing.
• A wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ.
• Childcare and attractive pension benefits.