Postdoc in robotic 3D printing with novel architectural bio-materials

In our new research project, funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, featuring a unique partnership bridging three disciplines: architecture, biology and chemistry, we will seek to lay the foundation for a next generation of front-line material and digital solutions for circular architectural renovation, encompassing robotic 3D printing with a new material from renewable biomass.

This postdoctoral position will allow you to contribute to this challenging and exciting research agenda. You will be given a unique opportunity to collaborate in an interdisciplinary research setting and access exclusive experimental lab infrastructures of the three Chalmers departments involved: Architecture and Civil Engineering, Biology and Biological Engineering, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

If you are interested in widening your scope on robotic 3D printing with novel bio-materials for cutting-edge architectural applications, enjoying teamwork and collaboration across disciplines, like to combine theory with laboratory experiments, are curious about the details and persistent in achieving your set goals, we can offer you this postdoctoral position.

Project description
The project is based on a unique knowledge synergy between the fields of architecture, biotechnology and materials science. It addresses the need for a deeper understanding and establishment of new design and fabrication solutions involving novel biobased materials, to achieve global goals of more green and circular architectural design and construction.

The successful candidate will carry out their work under the scientific mentorship of an experienced leadership team. Your main scientific mentor for the project is the project's leader Malgorzata Zboinska (associate professor in digital architectural design and fabrication). For aspects of materials science, relating to biomaterial development, you will be supported by mentors and project co-leaders Cecilia Geijer (associate professor in biology and biological engineering) and Tiina Nypelö (associate professor in chemistry and chemical engineering). You will also work with a small team of MSc students from the three involved disciplines.

Information about the division and the department
The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, hosting the project, has its own facility for experimental architectural prototyping, the Robotic Fabrication Laboratory, which will be the hub of our research activity in the project. In addition, the experimental lab facilities of the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering will be paramount environments in which the postdoctoral researcher will investigate specific aspects related to establishing, analyzing and producing the new material formulations for architectural prototyping experiments.

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibilities will be to plan, drive and carry out your research tasks as part of the project's research agenda. The position will require tight interaction with scientific and industrial partners of the project. Research communication, through channels such as co-authored research articles, industry papers and exhibitions of prototypes, will also be a part of your assignment.

Your specific tasks involve a combination of digital reconstruction and 3D scanning of existing architectural components, parametric 3D modeling work and machine toolpath design via the visual programming environment Grasshopper and custom Python programming. The work includes developing and working with biopolymer suspension formulations, experimental trials with differently composed material recipes, quantitative data gathering and analysis, robotically assisted prototyping, and the development of software as well as hardware such as robot end-effectors needed for prototyping experiments with the new material.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to conduct the preparation of the new biomaterial formulae with the master students from the involved disciplines, to design, evaluate and refine the digital workflows and instrumentation essential for the conduct of prototyping experiments with the developed material formulae, plan and conduct the material experiments and architectural prototyping rounds. If possible, the prototyping will embrace both work with 3D scanning and renovation performed on existing building components, as well as the production of standalone, second-skin architectural panels for renovation. The achieved results will be demonstrated and communicated to our industrial partners through exhibitions, workshops and other means of accessible communication.

The selected postdoc is expected to develop own ideas and be able to tackle complex material and prototyping issues independently, with guidance from the scientific mentors, while collaborating with the master students in architecture, biotechnology and chemistry, who will join our team in more basic phases of the experimental work.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=11227

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 20-01-2023

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***