Doctoral Researchers in Housing Cooperatives Research Project (2 Positions)

About the role

ETH Wohnforum - ETH CASE, an institute of the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich, is seeking two full-time doctoral researchers (four years, 2027-2031) for the SNSF-funded project "From Homes to Habitats - Swiss Housing Cooperatives as Agents of Socio-Ecological Transition". The project investigates how housing cooperatives in Switzerland can support a shift to more sustainable living, across metropolitan, peri-urban, rural, peripheral and Alpine territories. The project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Elli Mosayebi and is linked to the ETH Zurich Doctoral Programme in Landscape and Urban Studies.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the project's conceptual and methodological framework
• Help map and build typologies of housing cooperatives across Switzerland
• Design and carry out qualitative case studies in the territorial focus areas
• Carry out fieldwork including site visits, interviews, participant observation and spatial documentation
• Analyse architectural, spatial, social and ecological practices using qualitative and visual methods
• Take part in workshops with researchers, housing cooperatives and stakeholders

Required profile

• Masters' degree in architecture, urban studies, sociology or a related field
• Interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of architecture, society and ecology
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent command of written and spoken English; knowledge of German, French and/or Italian is highly desirable for fieldwork

Required skills

• Qualitative research methods such as interviews, participant observation and case studies
• Architectural and spatial analysis, mapping and visual research
• Experience with architectural drawing, GIS or cartographic tools is an advantage
• Strong analytical, communication and academic writing skills

What we offer

• Full-time, four-year position at ETH Zurich, ETH Wohnforum - ETH CASE
• Salary according to ETH Zurich and SNSF doctoral regulations
• Family-friendly employer with a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment
• Closely integrated into the ETH Wohnforum team and an international network of partners

Applications must be submitted online through the ETH Zurich application portal by 15 January 2027, with a motivation letter, CV, copies of degrees and transcripts and at least one reference letter.