[Job-offers-cs] Postdoctoral Researcher in AI-Enhanced Adaptive Design for Dynamic Landscapes (Aalto University)

Pekka Orponen pekka.orponen at aalto.fi
Sat Sep 13 19:48:00 EEST 2025 

  Postdoctoral Researcher in AI-Enhanced Adaptive Design for Dynamic
  Landscapes

29.8.2025


    Application closes on

15.10.2025


    Unit

School of Arts, Design and Architecture


    Job category

Other teaching and research personnel

/Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. 
We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and 
across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and 
creating novel solutions to major global challenges. //Our community is 
made up of 120 nationalities, 14 000 students, 400 professors and close 
to 5000 faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, 
Greater Helsinki, Finland. //Diversity is part of who we are, and we 
actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. 
This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all 
backgrounds to join our community./

*/Postdoctoral Researcher: /**/AI-Enhanced Adaptive Design for Dynamic 
Landscapes/*

*/School of Arts, Design and Architecture – Department of Architecture/*
/*Location:* Otaniemi Campus, Espoo, Finland/

*Join a cutting-edge research environment where architecture, landscape 
architecture, and artificial intelligence meet to address complex 
environmental challenges.*

*About the Project*

The /Adaptive Design for AI-Driven Processes in Transforming Dynamic 
Landscapes (ADAPT)/ project develops scalable, data-driven design 
methodologies that transform dynamic environmental processes, such as 
sedimentation, meltwater flow, and vegetation change, into active 
drivers of adaptive design. This interdisciplinary work combines 
advanced computational tools, including 4D point cloud modeling and 
state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning techniques (such as 
generative adversarial networks), with empirical fieldwork in Norwegian 
glacier environments.

As a Postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central role in advancing 
AI-enhanced adaptive design tools, immersive simulations, and 
computational workflows that redefine how we design for climate-driven 
environmental change. You will collaborate with world-leading partners 
including ETH Zurich, MIT Media Lab, and the Norwegian University of 
Life Sciences (NMBU).

*Your role and goals*

As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the ADAPT project, you will:

  * Lead the development of AI-enhanced adaptive design tools and
    interactive simulation environments that integrate environmental
    data with generative design workflows.
  * Design, test, and document computational frameworks that combine 4D
    point cloud data, geospatial analysis, and advanced ML/DL algorithms.
  * Integrate dynamic environmental datasets into immersive and
    interactive prototypes for scenario testing and stakeholder engagement.
  * Collaborate closely with the PhD researcher to connect environmental
    data analysis with computational design innovation.
  * Participate in fieldwork in Norwegian glacier environments to
    collect and validate site-specific data.
  * Contribute to international research visits to ETH Zurich, MIT Media
    Lab, and NMBU.
  * Publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at leading
    conferences, exhibitions, and stakeholder events.
  * Mentor junior researchers and support the interdisciplinary growth
    of the research team.

*Your network and team*

You will be based in the Department of Architecture at Aalto 
University’s Otaniemi campus, working within an interdisciplinary 
research environment. Your main collaborators will include:

  * Principal Investigator (PI):  Prof. Pia Fricker, specialist in
    computational design and adaptive landscape and territorial systems.
  * ADAPT PhD researcher, focusing on environmental data analysis and
    prototype development.
  * International partners at ETH Zurich, MIT Media Lab, and NMBU,
    providing expertise in geospatial modeling, immersive technologies,
    and glacial environmental dynamics.

*Your experience and ambitions*

We welcome candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, including 
architecture, computational design, computer science, or related fields, 
who have a proven track record of applying advanced computational 
methods to real-world environmental challenges.

  * A doctoral degree in architecture, landscape architecture,
    computational design, computer science, or a closely related field,
    completed before the position start date.
  * Proven expertise in AI/ML/DL techniques for generative or analytical
    purposes (e.g., generative adversarial networks, convolutional
    neural networks, diffusion models, or other emerging methods), with
    evidence of application in research or professional projects.
  * Strong proficiency in the following areas, and the ability to
    integrate them into complex workflows:
      o Computational design and 3D/4D modeling (e.g.,
        Rhino/Grasshopper, Phyton, Unity, Blender).
      o Point cloud processing (e.g., CloudCompare, Autodesk ReCap)
        and/or GIS.
      o Immersive simulation environments and interactive design tools.
  * Experience coordinating interdisciplinary research projects.
  * Experience in publishing and presenting in international academic
    forums.
  * Willingness to participate in fieldwork in potentially challenging
    environments.
  * Excellent English skills (written and spoken).

*What we offer *

  * A full-time, fixed-term position of 3 years.
  * Monthly salary of €4,200.
  * The opportunity to work on a high-impact, international research
    project addressing urgent climate adaptation challenges.
  * Funded research visits to ETH Zurich, and NMBU, and participation in
    fieldwork in Norwegian glacier environments.
  * Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including UAVs, terrestrial
    laser scanning equipment, immersive VR/AR labs (MAGICS
    infrastructure <https://studios.aalto.fi/magics/>), and
    computational design studios for immersive data simulation.
  * Mentoring in academic leadership, research innovation, and career
    development.
  * A vibrant, international campus in Otaniemi with excellent public
    transport connections, green surroundings, and an active research
    community.

Our wide range of professional development opportunities means you will 
grow and learn, participating actively in diverse research trainings 
based on your interests and needs. Life on campus is vibrant, featuring 
stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, 
restaurants, and services.

*How to Apply*

Please submit your application through our recruitment site (“Apply 
now!”) *no later than 23:59 (EET) on 15 October 2025*. We aim for the 
selected candidate to start *no later than January 2026*. Your 
application should include:

  * A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) explaining your interest in the
    position and how your background fits the role.
  * Your CV, including contact information for two referees.
  * Publication list.
  * Relevant degree certificates and academic transcripts.
  * A portfolio or selection of publications that best demonstrate your
    research and computational design skills.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position 
via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their 
existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open 
positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please 
apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto 
University open positions <https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto>

*For further information on the position:* Associate Prof. Dr. Pia 
Fricker (firstname.lastname at aalto.fi)
*For questions related to the application process:* hr-arch at aalto.fi

We will review applications as they arrive and may invite suitable 
candidates for interviews during the application period. You will hear 
from us no later than the second week of November 2025. We aim for a 
transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to request feedback.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues/? /You can watch 
these videos:

This is Aalto University! <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8zawpNMVG8>
Aalto University – Towards a better world 
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k_og_6zUJQ>
and Shaping a Sustainable Future 
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK6pDWm1_CE>.

Read more about working at Aalto: 
/https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/ 
<https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto>

Check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi

*About Finland*

Finland is a safe, politically stable, and well-organized Nordic 
society, consistently ranked among the world’s most livable countries. 
It offers a high quality of life, excellent education, and a strong 
social security system. Finland has been ranked the happiest country in 
the world for several consecutive years World Happiness Report 2025 
<https://worldhappiness.report/news/world-happiness-report-2025-people-are-much-kinder-than-we-expect-research-shows/>

For more information about living in Finland: Aalto Careers for 
International Staff 
<https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/for-international-staff>

More about Aalto University:

Aalto.fi <https://www.aalto.fi/en/open-positions>
youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity 
<https://www.youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity>
linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/ 
<https://www.linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/>
www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity <https://www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity>
instagram.com/aaltouniversity <https://instagram.com/aaltouniversity>

To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here 
<http://www.aalto.fi/en/services/workday-recruiting-system-accessibility-interaction-overview>.

Please see more of our Open Positions here. 
<http://www.aalto.fi/en/open-positions>

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