PhD Position(s) in Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication for Timber Upcycling

SDU CREATE invites highly motivated candidates who wish to contribute to a more sustainable built environment to apply for a PhD position in Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication for Timber Upcycling. The position(s) are expected to begin in January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. The application deadline is 15 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Scope of the work

The PhD position(s) is linked to the Villum CEBE programme, Civil Engineering and the Green Transition in the Built Environment, funded by the Villum Foundation. Within Research Field 2, Design for Regeneration, Circularity and Longevity, the overall ambition is to extend the life cycle of reclaimed timber and retain its stored carbon for longer by transforming discarded wood into durable, materially efficient architectural components.

The research will investigate how heterogeneous pieces of waste timber can be reconstituted into engineered components with differentiated geometries and material properties. Computational design will connect architectural form, structural performance and available material stock, exploring how the arrangement, orientation and combination of reclaimed wood can generate new possibilities for building elements. The project will identify and develop suitable bonding techniques, integrate robotic fabrication with material characterisation, and demonstrate the resulting architectural systems at full scale.

We seek candidates with primary expertise in one of two complementary research profiles:

• Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication: focusing on architectural design workflows, material allocation, robotic tooling, and the development of lamination, shaping and fabrication procedures for reclaimed timber.

• AI-driven Computational Engineering: focusing on machine learning for material characterisation and property prediction, finite element modelling, structural optimisation, and experimental testing of timber, bonded interfaces and laminated components.

The successful candidate(s) will work within a team to develop and validate stock-informed design methods through computational investigation, hands-on fabrication experiments and full-scale architectural demonstrators. The candidate(s) will also contribute to the Centre’s activities, including teaching in the MSc CREATE programme and the BSc programme in Civil and Architectural Engineering through laboratory teaching, workshops, and co-supervision of student projects

Focus Area and Research Project

The research will develop new approaches to timber upcycling that minimise waste, extend carbon storage and advance circular construction. It will connect architectural design, material engineering and robotic fabrication to transform discarded timber into durable building components, developing lamination and bonding techniques alongside computational methods for design and structural optimisation.

The project builds on SDU CREATE’s previous research, including Re-VoxLam Truss and Re:Bridge, which explore how reclaimed timber can be reconstituted into structurally efficient architectural systems. Applicants are encouraged to consult the associated publications on reclaimed voxel lamination and stock and stress informed design and fabrication.

The successful candidate(s) will contribute to selected areas according to their expertise, working within a team with complementary skills:

• Computational design and material allocation informed by available timber stock

• Development of lamination and bonding techniques for architectural components

• Robotic tooling and fabrication process development

• Machine learning for material assessment and property prediction

• Finite element modelling, structural optimisation and experimental validation

• Fabrication and testing of full scale architectural demonstrators

• Evaluation of material efficiency, structural performance and environmental benefits

About SDU CREATE’s Research Environment

The Centre for Computational Research in Emergent Architectural Technology and Engineering, SDU CREATE, is led by Associate Professor Roberto Naboni. The Centre investigates advanced concepts and applications in architectural engineering, focusing on computational design, construction robotics, and material innovation. SDU CREATE brings together an international research team working across architectural engineering, computer science, robotics, materials science, and biology. Its research develops sustainable, regenerative approaches to designing and constructing the built environment.

Located within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark, SDU CREATE provides advanced laboratory facilities for robotic fabrication, additive and subtractive manufacturing, mixed reality applications in design and construction, and structural and mechanical testing. The facilities include industrial robotic systems, computational design platforms, and equipment for the experimental testing of materials, components, and structures. This environment supports interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships with academic and industrial institutions in Denmark and internationally. The candidate(s) will work within a research culture that combines computational development with physical experimentation and full scale construction.

SDU CREATE is a partner in CEBE, a ten-year national research initiative funded by the Villum Foundation, in which Danish technical universities collaborate to advance the sustainability of the built environment within planetary boundaries. Within this initiative, SDU CREATE leads research in Digitalisation and Automation, RF4, and contributes to research in Design for Regeneration, Circularity, and Longevity, RF2. The programme provides a long-term research framework, access to national research networks, and opportunities for collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate(s) will contribute to the development and delivery of CREATE’s research activities and laboratory-based investigations. Responsibilities include:

• Conducting high-quality research within the defined research project and contributing original, scientifically rigorous outcomes

• Conducting fabrication and structural testing experiments, including operation of robotic systems and laboratory equipment as relevant to the candidate’s research profile

• Participating in CREATE’s research team activities, contributing to the development of design, fabrication, and testing frameworks

• Developing and maintaining computational tools and workflows supporting the research activities

• Assisting in teaching bachelor’s and master’s level courses and workshops, including co-supervision of thesis students and collaboration with interns in research-related activities

• Disseminating research results through high-impact peer-reviewed publications and recognised international conferences

• Sharing research outcomes through curated and high-quality outputs for digital platforms, exhibitions, and competitions

• Contributing to the further development and maintenance of CREATE’s laboratory infrastructures and experimental facilities

• Engaging with academic and industrial collaborators at the national and international level, including participation in the Villum CEBE research network

• Assisting senior staff in the preparation of applications for external research funding

Engagement in these activities will evolve with the experience of the candidate(s), contributing to the Centre’s excellence and supporting their academic development, ideally towards future career advancement.

Candidate Requirements

Applications are invited from highly motivated candidates holding a Master’s degree in architecture, civil or architectural engineering, robotics, mechanical engineering, materials science, or other relevant disciplines related to the research areas. Candidates must demonstrate primary expertise in either Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication or AI-driven Computational Engineering, together with the ability to contribute to shared design, fabrication and validation activities.

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Documented interest and foundational knowledge in circular construction, timber engineering or material upcycling

• Competence in Grasshopper and Rhino, advanced for the Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication profile and at working level for the AI-driven Computational Engineering profile, together with relevant programming skills such as Python or C#

• For the Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication profile: practical experience in robotic fabrication and development of computational design workflows; experience developing robotic tools, fixtures or fabrication procedures is particularly valued

• For the AI-driven Computational Engineering profile: competence in finite element analysis and structural optimisation; practical experience developing and evaluating machine learning models is particularly valued

• Hands-on laboratory experience with fabrication, including physical prototyping or specimen preparation, and experimental testing relevant to the selected profile

• Demonstrated capacity to conduct, document, and disseminate projects and research outcomes suitable for peer-reviewed publication

• Strong proficiency in English, both written and oral

• Strong ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams and to coordinate and collaborate daily

• Strong communication skills across graphical, written, and oral formats

• A proven track record of involvement in research or innovation projects; experience in teaching assistance, peer-reviewed publications or engagement with academic or industry stakeholders is evaluated positively

Contact information

For further information about the position(s) and SDU CREATE’s activities, please contact the Head of Centre, Associate Professor Roberto Naboni, at [email protected]. For additional information on the Centre’s work, visit .

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Find full information on how to apply as well as assessment and employment terms on our website!