Two Doctoral Positions in the SNSF Research Project "From Homes to Habitat – Swiss Housing Cooperatives as Agents of Socio-Ecological Transition"

ETH Wohnforum – ETH CASE (Centre for Research on Architecture, Society & the Built Environment) at the Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich, is seeking two doctoral researchers (100%, four years) to join the SNSF-funded research project “From Homes to Habitats – Swiss Housing Cooperatives as Agents of Socio-Ecological Transition,” starting on 1 June 2027 or upon agreement.

The PhD will last from 2027-2031 (4 years).

Project background

How can housing support a shift towards more sustainable ways of living? The overall research project investigates the potential of housing cooperatives in Switzerland as agents of socio-ecological transition. Moving beyond their established role in providing affordable housing, the project examines how housing cooperatives develop innovative social, spatial, and ecological practices across diverse territorial contexts. While existing research has predominantly focused on housing cooperatives in major cities, the project investigates housing cooperatives in metropolitan, peri-urban, rural, peripheral, and Alpine territories, examining how different urbanisation processes shape cooperative housing practices and their potential for socio-ecological transformation.

The project is hosted at ETH Wohnforum – ETH CASE, Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich, under the responsibility of Prof. Dr. Elli Mosayebi, Professor of Architecture and Design. The doctoral researchers will work within an interdisciplinary research team bringing together expertise in architecture, housing, urban and territorial studies, and socio-ecological transformation. In addition, you will benefit from being associated to the Doctoral Programme at the ETH Zurich Department of Architecture’s Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS).

ETH Wohnforum – ETH CASE (Centre for Research on Architecture, Society & the Built Environment) is an interdisciplinary institute for research, consulting and education in the field of housing, architecture, and urban development at the department of architecture at ETH Zurich.

Job description

We are seeking two motivated doctoral researchers to join our interdisciplinary research team and contribute to the investigation of housing cooperatives as agents of socio-ecological transition across Switzerland. Your responsibilities and tasks will include:

• Contribute to the development of the project's conceptual and methodological framework.
• Participate in the mapping and typology building of housing cooperatives across Switzerland.
• Design and conduct qualitative case studies within the respective territorial focus.
• Undertake fieldwork, including site visits, interviews, participant observation, and spatial documentation.
• Analyse architectural, spatial, social, and ecological practices through qualitative and visual research methods.
• Participate in the organisation of workshops with researchers, housing cooperatives, and relevant stakeholders.

Profile

• Master's degree in architecture, urban studies, sociology, or a related discipline, with a strong interest in housing, territorial transformation, and socio-ecological questions.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of architecture, society, and ecology.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with qualitative research methods, including interviews, participant observation, and case study research.
• Interest in architectural and spatial analysis, mapping, and visual research methods.
  Experience with architectural drawing, GIS, or cartographic tools is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong analytical, communication, and academic writing skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of German, French, and/or Italian is highly desirable, particularly for conducting fieldwork in Switzerland.

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits. The positions offer the opportunity to pursue doctoral research within an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment at ETH Zurich, engaging with contemporary debates on housing, architecture, urbanisation, and socio-ecological transition.The doctoral researchers will benefit from close collaboration with the ETH Wohnforum research team and an international network of academic and practice-based partners.

Employment: 100%, four years (2027–2031)
Workplace: ETH Zurich, ETH Wohnforum – ETH CASE
Salary: According to ETH Zurich and SNSF doctoral salary regulations.

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