Specialist: Visualisation Architecture & XR (m/f/d)

About the job

Specialist: Visualisation Architecture & XR (m/f/d)

ETH Zurich is launching a pioneering research project with a direct connection to construction practice. The HIL building on the Hönggerberg campus is being transformed into a Living Lab. The building, which requires renovation, will be rebuilt and extended. Professorships from the Departments of Architecture (D-ARCH) and Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG) will research and plan the renovation of the HIL building over the coming years in the spirit of circular construction. The aim is to further develop sustainable design and construction in existing buildings and to demonstrate this exemplarily in a real planning and construction project.

We are looking for a creative and tech-savvy individual to visually translate our Living Lab HIL project. In this role, you will be responsible for high-end architectural visualisations, the preparation of complex research data in interactive dashboards, and the development of immersive Extended Reality (XR) applications for communication and planning. The position is project-based with a multi-year fixed-term focus. We initially offer a one-year contract with the option to extend.

Job Description

In this project-related role, you will primarily take on the following tasks and responsibilities:

• High-End Visualisation: Creation of atmospheric, precise, and architecturally sophisticated renderings, animations, and image compositions for the overall project.
• XR Development: Conceptualisation, preparation, and programming of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) scenarios for spatial verification of prototypes and planning stages.
• Project Dashboards: Visual and interactive preparation of complex project data as well as development of dashboards to clearly communicate sustainability and research metrics.
• Data Interfaces: Preparation and optimised conversion of 3D data from Rhino, Revit, or ArchiCAD for real-time rendering engines and VR platforms.
• Interface Communication: Close collaboration with digitalisation specialists and subproject leaders for visual documentation and communication of interim results.

Profile

To ideally meet the requirements of this demanding position, you bring the following profile:

• Education: Completed studies in Architecture, Computational Design, Game Design, Virtual Design, or a comparable discipline with a strong focus on architectural representation.
• Visualisation Skills: Proven excellence in creating high-end architectural renderings and animations as well as excellent postproduction skills.
• Real-time & XR: Solid experience with real-time engines (e.g. Unreal Engine, Unity, RADii) and the development of applications for VR/AR headsets.
• 3D Software: Very good knowledge of Rhino; experience with BIM software (Revit/ArchiCAD) for data import is a great advantage.
• Programming Knowledge: Basic knowledge of Python or visual scripting (Grasshopper, etc.) is desirable for dashboard creation and XR interactions.
• Soft Skills: Confident, visual and aesthetic sensibility, structured working method with large data volumes, team spirit, and enthusiasm for the interface of tech, research, and design.
• Languages: Very good German (min. B2/C1 for team coordination) and good English skills in spoken and written form.

We Offer

• Varied project work at the interface of architecture, research, and practice.
• Your workplace is in the new project office in the HIL building on the ETH Hönggerberg campus.
• Your position is affiliated with the project team in the Department of Architecture.
• We offer attractive working conditions in a dynamic and innovative international environment.
• You will work independently and in constant collegial exchange with our team and a variety of partners and stakeholders.

Working, Teaching and Research at ETH Zurich

Diversity and Sustainability are Important to Us

In line with our values , ETH Zurich supports an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and maintain a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all employees and students are respected. On our Equal Opportunity and Diversity webpage , you can learn how we ensure a fair and open environment in which everyone can develop and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Work certificates and qualifications

Further information about the project can be found on our website . For enquiries, please contact Mr Jonas Haldemann, haldemann@arch.ethz.ch (no application documents), who will be happy to assist you.

Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For personnel recruitment, the ETH Zurich Terms and Conditions apply.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the best technical and natural science universities in the world. We are known for our excellent teaching, pioneering fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. More than 30,000 people from over 120 countries find an environment with us that promotes independent thinking and a climate that inspires top performance. Located in the heart of Europe and connected worldwide, we develop solutions together for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.