PhD Position in Bio-Inspired Design and Additive Construction

at  Syddansk Universitet

SDU CREATE invites applications for fully funded PhD positions. One or more doctoral positions on Bio-Inspired Design and Additive Construction are available, with a commencement date as soon as possible, preferably no later than September 2024.
The application deadline is 20 May 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)

RESEARCH PROJECT DESCRIPTION

SDU CREATE pioneers the development of computational strategies and additive construction techniques for sustainable architecture. The positions available are part of the “Bio-Inspired Behavioural Additive Construction” project, funded by the Villum Foundation. This initiative focuses on fundamental and interdisciplinary research, deriving insights from biological models to decode the behavioural principles inherent in natural additive construction processes. It aims to establish an innovative paradigm where architectural robots autonomously design and construct material-efficient structures. Successful candidates will join a dedicated team which will focus on the following research areas:

• Bio-inspired design with Agent-based Modelling and Machine Learning
• Advanced Robotic Fabrication and Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing

Environment Robotic Sensing for Adaptive Construction
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QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

We invite applications from individuals with a master’s degree in Architecture, Building Engineering, or related disciplines and have a proven track record in teaching and executing computational design, advanced engineering, and digital fabrication projects. Candidates must be proficient in English, both spoken and written. We seek candidates with a teamwork mentality and good communication skills, as collaborative interaction is a key component of our research environment. Due to the technical needs of the project, preference will be given to candidates who are highly skilled in Grasshopper and possess advanced competencies in at least one of the following areas:

• Proficiency in Python programming.
• Experience in Agent-Based Modelling and/or Machine Learning.

• Expertise in advanced robotic fabrication and large-scale Additive Manufacturing.Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis.

The successful candidate(s) will actively contribute to developing and delivering CREATE’s research, teaching activities and laboratory developments. The responsibilities include:

• Conducting pioneering research on the project within the research areas described above.
• Participating in CREATE’s research, providing support with design, fabrication, and testing developments.
• Creating digital tools and computational workflows to support the project activities.
• Assisting with teaching bachelor’s and master’s level courses and workshops, co-supervising thesis students and interns in research activities.
• Disseminating research results through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.
• Sharing research advancements with high-quality outputs for digital platforms, exhibitions, and prizes.

• Supporting the expansion and management of CREATE’s laboratories and research infrastructures.Engaging with key academic and industrial institutions and collaborators on national and international levels.