PhD Position in Bio-Inspired Design and Additive Construction

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)
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)

Scope of the work
The successful candidate(s) will focus on bio-inspired computational design and experimental large-scale 3D printing. They will conduct research within a highly interdisciplinary project aimed at producing high-calibre research and publications. The candidate(s) will mainly work on a project that requires both autonomous development and collaborative teamwork. The successful candidate(s) will contribute to teaching assistance within the MSc CREATE and the BSc in Civil and Architectural Engineering as part of the position.

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

About SDU CREATE´s research environment
The Center for Computational Research in Emergent Architectural Technology and Engineering is led by Associate Professor Roberto Naboni. Dedicated to researching forward-thinking architectural concepts, SDU CREATE explores emergent technologies at the intersection of computational design, construction robotics, and material innovation to develop innovative forms of sustainable built environments. We are international researchers with diverse backgrounds who collaborate closely within interdisciplinary teams.

Situated within the Faculty of Engineering (TEK) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), we are equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including large-scale architectural robotics, additive manufacturing, mixed reality design and construction, structural and mechanical testing. In this academic environment, we collaborate with scholars from various scientific domains, inspire students to impact the field and connect with leading academic and industrial partners globally.

Responsibilities
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.

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.

Contact information
For further information about this position and CREATE's activities, please contact the Head of Center, Associate Professor Roberto Naboni, at [email protected]. For additional information on the Center´s work, visit the website: www.create-sdu.com.

If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected].

Application procedure
Before applying the candidates are expected to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students, the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.

The application must be in English and include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae, detailing academic and professional employment, research projects, teaching and supervision experience, awards, exhibitions, computational and fabrication skills.
• Motivation Letter & Research Statement (max. 5 pages). Outline clearly the research area from this call that you are applying for and your qualifications for the position.
• List of Publications (if any), including attached articles (full text, PDF) that you wish to be assessed by the committee.
• Portfolio of Works (max 15 pages), showcasing research, teaching, or professional projects.
• Reference List: Include at least two references, providing names and e-mail addresses. These references may be contacted during the selection process.
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation. (If you are currently enrolled in a master’s programme, please include a brief statement indicating the expected completion date).
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: Please submit an official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

UPLOAD GUIDE: CV shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’, Motivation Letter & Research Statement shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’ when applying.

Assessment and selection process
Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.

Interviews and tests may be part of the process.

Conditions of employment
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment.

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment, while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.

Employment as a PhD fellow governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information about salary and conditions of employment.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The application deadline is 20 May 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)

Formalities

• According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to a position before it can be filled.
• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

Placering: Odense, Denmark