Research and Teaching Assistant in Architecture

Mission

The Laboratory for the Theory of Environment and Materials in Architecture (THEMA) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is pleased to invite applicants for a part‑time scientific assistant position (40%) to support the research and teaching of the lab.

THEMA (Theory of Environment and Materials in Architecture) is led by Prof. Sarah Nichols. The lab uses the tools of architectural research to critically investigate broader building cultures, including infrastructure and urbanization at large, and architecture’s place within and beside them. Broadly characterized, the lab’s interests encompass the materialization of buildings and infrastructures, from site processes to building materials to project coordination—and the values and concepts that shape these practices.

• Conduct literature surveys
• Aid with archival research
• Produce analytical drawings and/or models
• Assist with course preparation and mentoring master’s thesis students
• Participate in the broader life of the school

Due to the part‑time nature of the position, it is expected that the candidate lives in the region and see the assistantship as a complement to other, ongoing activities in and around architecture (i.e. in parallel with starting one’s own practice).

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in architecture or a related field; researchers who have already achieved a PhD will not be considered
• A desire to gain further experience in architectural research, compatible with pursuing one’s own architectural practice and/or preparing to enter a doctoral program
• Strong research and analytical skills; experience with research preferred
• Excellent written and verbal English; fluency in other languages is an asset
• An affinity for drawing, either architectural drawing and/or urban or territorial mapping
• A strong interest in the intersection of architecture and the environment

The scientific assistant position is part‑time (40%) with an expected minimum duration of one year, which could be prolonged, upon mutual agreement, for a total of up to three years. The position is within the laboratory THEMA, affiliated with the Section and Institute of Architecture, part of the School of Architecture, Civil, and Environmental Engineering ENAC.

EPFL is one of two Federal Institutes of Technology in Switzerland and the sister school of ETH Zurich; both schools are part of the ETH domain. It is an English‑ and French‑language polytechnic whose main campus is in Lausanne. EPFL is a growing and well‑funded institution fostering excellence and intellectual diversity within a fertile environment for scholarship and collaboration. EPFL’s multilingual, international environment offers excellent resources, salaries, and benefits.

Applications should be sent via the EPFL jobs portal.

Applicants should submit the following documents in a single PDF:

• Cover letter explaining your motivation (1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Short research portfolio, including max. 3 examples, that you judge demonstrative of your capacity to conduct research. This could include analytical drawings, writing, etc.; attributions of coauthors and, where applicable, the course in which they were produced must be included
• Contact information for two references, at least one should be academic

For any questions, please email thema

Application evaluations will begin March 9, 2026.

Contract Start Date : 04/01/2026

Activity Rate : 40.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year renewable

Reference: 2059