Research Associate in the Department of Sustainable Building (80%)

Research Associate in the Department of Sustainable Building (80%)

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Building

Teaching, research, and practice - we connect

Your tasks:

You will be part of an institute that makes a significant contribution to climate protection and circular economy in the construction sector and has established a strong reputation through innovative research and development projects. Together with an interdisciplinary team, you will work on pioneering solutions that drive the sustainable transformation of building practices and achieve measurable impact for the environment and society.

• You actively participate in the specialist group "Sustainable and Circular Building" within the institute, for example, in establishing a "Zero Embodied Carbon Lab".

• You independently manage (sub-)projects in the field of sustainable and circular building with the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

• You independently calculate the environmental impacts of building materials (e.g., EPD), components (e.g., ReUse), buildings, portfolios, and areas using life cycle assessment methods.

• You are responsible for the comprehensive sustainability description of a selection of building materials for the material collection.

• You develop course materials for teaching (e.g., presentations, scripts, exercises, books) in collaboration with the lecturers and take on parts of the teaching as agreed.

Your profile:

You are a person who enjoys working with numbers, modeling, writing, and scientific work, and you like to delve into complex issues of sustainable building. With your open, interested, and flexible nature, you work cooperatively in a team while also being independent, responsible, and goal-oriented. This creates the ideal conditions for actively shaping and further developing our field of expertise. Additionally, you bring the following skills and experiences:

• University degree (Bachelor or Master) in architecture, environmental science, or civil engineering.

• Several years of professional experience in sustainable building.

• Good knowledge of life cycle assessment methods, various life cycle assessment databases, LCA software, and environmental product declarations (EPDs).

• Good oral and written skills in English and German.

Your perspectives:

Research at universities of applied sciences deals with current research fields where action is needed, such as the implementation of the net-zero target. You make an important contribution with your research. Additionally, you gain insight into teaching and are inspired by the exchange with students in training and further education.

Your benefits:

Wide range of university sports offerings

Cultural program with lectures, concerts, theater, and films

Practiced equality of pay between women and men

Targeted support for doctoral projects

Annual working hours (42 hours/week) with option for part-time and remote work

Mentoring program for career development and doctoral support

Date: Start date on 01.07.2026 or by agreement, limited until 31.08.2030.

Your workplace:

University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
Hofackerstrasse 30
4132 Muttenz

Any questions?

Regarding the position:
Prof. Daniel Kellenberger, Head of the Sustainable and Circular Building Group, Contact: +41 61 228 51 27

Regarding the application process:
Sandra Mathys, HR Assistant, Contact: +41 61 228 53 23