PhD on Computational Design & 3D Clay Printing for Environmentally Performative Architecture

Introduction

Are you eager to contribute to shaping the future of additive manufacturing with clay? Are you interested in how 3D clay printing and computational design can be used to develop environmentally performative columns, and cladding systems, while also drawing from historical and vernacular knowledge? Then join us in advancing digital fabrication for a post-carbon built environment!

Job Description

This fully funded PhD position invites applications from candidates interested in the intersection of computational design, robotic fabrication, and environmentally performative architecture. The research will investigate how 3D printed clay systems—columns, claddings, and related architectural elements—can function as materially driven climate regulators, providing passive environmental comfort while also advancing architectural expression.

As buildings account for a significant proportion of global energy use and carbon emissions, the transition toward post-carbon design requires new approaches to materials and construction systems. This PhD project positions clay, one of humanity’s oldest building materials, at the forefront of contemporary debates on sustainable architecture. By combining robotic extrusion techniques with parametric design methodologies, the research will explore how unfired or low-fired earthen components can be fabricated to achieve measurable improvements in thermal regulation, humidity buffering, and acoustic performance.

The project is equally concerned with the cultural and historical dimensions of environmental design. It will engage with historical and vernacular applications of clay in exteriors, interiors, columns, and cladding systems, while also speculating on how new clay-based digital fabrication practices might reframe architectural responses to the climate crisis. Through the production of computationally generated prototypes and the development of a critical theoretical framework, the PhD will articulate both technical innovations and broader design imaginaries.

The successful candidate will join an international and interdisciplinary research environment that brings together expertise in computational design, digital fabrication, and architectural history/theory. The project will be situated within ongoing explorations of robotic fabrication, computational design, and post-mechanical comfort systems in architecture.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g computational design, advanced robotic fabrication, architecture).
• Experience working on topics related to 3d clay printing, custom g-code and slicer development, computational design (lab work, prototyping).
• Interest in developing new, complementary skills to the research topic.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level) proven by an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Dipl.-Ing. C. Nan, i.c.nan@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Jennifer Berkhout, HR advisor, HRadviceBE@tue.nl. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Portfolio with relevant projects showcasing computational design and robotic fabrication.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.