PhD Candidate

PhD Candidate - 3D printing of earth-based construction Centre for Design Innovation, School of Design and Architecture Full-time, fixed-term (3 years) position at our Hawthorn campus Help Shape the Future of 3D-Printed Earthen Housing About the Role Ready to push the boundaries of sustainable construction? We’re offering a fully funded, three-year PhD opportunity for someone who wants to help reinvent how housing is designed and built in Australia. If you’re excited by 3D printing, earth-based materials, and real‑world impact, this project is for you. Why This Project? This PhD sits within an ARC Linkage Project with Luyten 3D and UNSW, giving you the chance to work at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing. You’ll help develop the next generation of 3D‑printed earthen construction systems—a technology that could dramatically improve access to affordable, climate‑responsive housing in regional and remote communities. You’ll explore questions such as: How can we design a new type of multi‑feed extrusion system for clay and fibrous earthen mixes? How can we engineer earthen materials to print better, build higher, and perform more sustainably? How can modern fabrication techniques reconnect us with local, culturally grounded building materials? You’ll work directly with industry leaders at Luyten 3D, giving you hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge approaches to large‑scale additive manufacturing. You’ll also have access to state‑of‑the‑art fabrication facilities where you can test, prototype, and experiment with advanced 3D printing technologies. Throughout the PhD, you will have the freedom to shape your own research direction within the broader project, allowing you to develop a portfolio of work that reflects your interests and strengths. You will also have opportunities to publish your findings, present at conferences, and contribute meaningful impact to the future of sustainable and culturally responsive housing in Australia. About You We’re looking for a curious, creative, and driven researcher who wants to make a difference through sustainable design and technology. You’ll be a great fit if you have: An Honours or Master’s degree in architectural engineering, civil/materials engineering, architecture, or a related field Experience with digital design tools (Rhino, Grasshopper, etc.) Experience in 3D construction printing Strong experimental, analytical, and problem‑solving skills A genuine interest in sustainability, digital fabrication, and new construction methods Bonus points for: Experience in clay/earth‑based materials Knowledge of pumping or extrusion systems Research experience or publications Qualifications First Class Honours (H1) award or equivalent; or for exceptional candidates a H2A award – see for further information. A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., architectural, Civil, Mechanical, product design engineering). About Swinburne University of Technology Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research. To Apply Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position. To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on ***************@swin.edu.au Applications Close: Monday 19 January 2026, at 11.00pm Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work‑life balance. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Swinburne has become a world‑class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual‑sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world. Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership. We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact ***@swin.edu.au or call +61 . Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquiries about the role can be sent to ***************@swin.edu.au (general enquiries will not be answered by phone). Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes. As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates. Circle Back Initiative Employer We commit to responding to every applicant. #J-18808-Ljbffr