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.
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.
Applicant 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. Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
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
- 15 March 2025: Submission deadline (23:59 CET).
- 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.
You may apply via this link.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
PROGRAMME
– Could you give me some additional information about the doctoral programme?
The Doctoral Programme of the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS) at the Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich runs since October 2019. Two scholarships are awarded each year.
The programme’s focus is on the students’ independent thesis research. There are no preset research lines to be followed. The written doctoral thesis should be handed in at the end of the residency. The degree earned is: Dr. sc. ETH Zürich.
All members of the doctoral programme committee (i.e. all professors at LUS Institute) will co-supervise the students’ individual research in graduate colloquia, methods seminars and similar formats. One principal supervisor will be assigned before the end of the first year (see section Application Precedure).
You will be conducting original doctoral research on an individually determined topic within the disciplines of landscape and urban studies. The fellowship places no restriction on the geography or time period of the proposed research project. You are expected to devote a small part of your time to community building activities at the LUS doctoral school and co-curate LUS Talks during the second year of your studies. See past LUS Talks here.
100% doctoral employment at the ETH standard rate, with an expected term of three-and-a-half years to completion, pending successful approval of the doctoral plan at the end of year one.
ELIGIBILITY
– I’ve graduated from university XYZ. Does my degree allow me to apply for a doctoral position at ETH?
As a prerequisite to start a doctorate, ETH Zurich demands a diploma or Master’s degree of a minimum of 270 ECTS (https://www.ethz.ch/en/doctorate/registration-admission.html – “Admission”; contact: Mr. Picariello Alfredo, alfredo.picariello@akd.ethz.ch.)
– I’ve already obtained a doctorate from university XYZ. Am I still eligible to apply for a doctoral position at ETH?
The programme is aimed at those wishing to obtain a doctorate and therefore does not support people who have already obtained a PhD elsewhere. We would recommend you consider research positions at postdoctoral level.
FEES
– What are the fees for the doctoral course?
The programme is offered through a limited number of competitive fellowships, for which the tuition fees will have been waived.
For other financial considerations, please consult the ETH webpage: https://ethz.ch/en/doctorate/financial.html.
LANGUAGE
– In which language is supervision available and in which language are courses taught?
Courses at ETH are taught in English or German, and doctoral seminars are usually held in English. Supervision for doctoral students is generally available in English and/or German (and possibly other languages such as French or Italian, depending on the professors involved).
– Do I need to present a language certificate?
No, a language certificate is not required. However, we expect successful candidates to be able to follow – and participate in – discussions held in English and we strongly suggest to learn German during your stay at ETH. You should have an excellent competence in the language that you choose for writing your thesis.
– Should I apply in English or German?
Applications in English are encouraged.
EMPLOYMENT
– What are the terms of employment?
The positions are available for a duration of 3 years. There will be an assessment at the end of the first year. 100% is the standard employment of doctoral students at ETH. The salary should be high enough to fully support you for the time of the employment.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE
– What is the exact deadline for applications?
We will announce the new deadline on this website this fall. Please visit the website again around mid-December.
– May I arrange a meeting with one of the professors at LUS Institute prior to the submission deadline?
Please understand that, for reasons of equal chances among all the candidates, we cannot discuss individual projects or conduct personal interviews before our application deadline.
– Do I have to name a supervisor/tutor in my application?
No. Even though every doctoral candidate will be assigned to one principal thesis supervisor at the end of the first year, you don’t need to choose your supervisor prior to applying. All professors of the LUS will be involved in the selection process and will participate in doctoral colloquia and offer supervision.
Information about the professors and current research projects at LUS is available on our respective websites: https://lus.arch.ethz.ch/people/
– How do I apply?
You may apply via this link.
– Do I have to pay a fee for applying?
There is no application fee.
– May I arrange a meeting with one of the professors at the LUS Institute prior to the submission deadline?
Please understand that, for reasons of equal chances among all the candidates, we cannot discuss individual projects or conduct personal interviews before our application deadline.
– I am confused. The department website lists finding a supervisor as a prerequisite for application (https://arch.ethz.ch/en/doktorat.html). Which is right?
There are two different paths into the PhD: one general at the level of the entire Architecture Department, the other specific to the LUS Institute Fellowship programme advertised here. The LUS Fellowship is by application only, it has a separate budget and rules of entry. Therefore, the rule stated in the previous question (i.e., no contact with potential supervisors) is valid for this call.
– May I take a doctoral position of less that 100% and thus prolong the LUS fellowship accordingly? May I work part-time?
The LUS doctoral fellowships are only given as 100% positions.
– Can I start a LUS doctoral fellowship and reside elsewhere, with occasional travels to ETH?
As ETH employees on 100% positions, doctoral students are required to reside in Switzerland. Nevertheless, doctoral mobility is encouraged. From the second year onwards, periods of more prolonged absence for academic transfers, archival or fieldwork travel are fully expected and may be agreed with supervisors.