Lecturer in Computational Design

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 other 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.

The Aalto School of Arts, Design and Architecture (ARTS) is a Nordic leader in higher education for design, fashion, games, media, architecture, film, art education and fine art. We produce world-class research e.g. in design, digital media and visual culture, art education, urban planning and architecture. Our graduates innovate in and beyond their fields, drawing on over a century of tradition of our institution, a humane and forward-looking approach, and the latest technologies.

The Department of Architecture offers high-level studies in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Architecture advancing artistic development work within these fields as well as artistic and scientific research. The department's strategic goal is to maintain and strengthen the Department of Architecture as an exemplary school of high international excellence. The educational objectives are to combine social responsibility, innovative technical, artistic and scientific knowledge, enabling the students to become accomplished experts in their own field. For more information, please see: http://architecture.aalto.fi/en/

We are now looking for a

Lecturer in Computational Design

The Department of Architecture at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture is seeking to strengthen its education excellence and competence development by hiring a new Lecturer in Computational Design. The successful candidate will be appointed to the Aalto University lecture track system for a permanent and full-time position. The Aalto lecturer career system principles are explained at https://www.aalto.fi/en/teaching-and-learning/lecturer-career-system.

The position is central to advancing the teaching in the field of computational architecture at the Department of Architecture, covering all levels from the bachelor to doctoral level. In addition, the lecturer contributes significantly to the university's broader strategy of advancing the integration of computational methods into architecture and design, aligning with institutional priorities on cutting-edge technologies and their application in addressing global challenges such as the climate polycrisis and urbanization. The position strengthens the department's capacity to lead in computational and AI-driven approaches at both national and international levels.

We are looking for a collegial and open-minded individual who is eager to participate in our efforts and share our values in making an impact on the future of architecture education and the profession. Join us in shaping the future

Your role and goals

The lecturer works in close collaboration with the professor in Augmented Computational Design and the professor in Design of Structures and supports the development in both fields. The primary focus of the position is on driving forward teaching on all levels at the forefront of computational design. The role leverages cutting-edge technologies to advance climate-adaptive methods and redefine architectural processes across scales.

The lecturer will:

1. Design and deliver courses on contemporary methods in computational design for architects, landscape architects, and interior architects including immersive design technologies (VR/MR), generative AI methods, as well as foundational courses such as parametric design, algorithmic design, digital fabrication or computational geometry.
2. Contribute to thesis supervision and advising at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
3. Support research activities at the shared lab between the two professors including organizing academic events such as symposia and lecture series.
4. Collaborate with other professors in the department and programs at both national and international levels, fostering the use of computational methods in architecture.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for a new colleague with a track record in teaching, peer-reviewed publications, and participation in international conferences. You will have:

1. A master's degree in architecture or a related field. A doctoral degree in architecture or a related field is beneficial.
2. Several years of experience in teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels and the development of course material.
3. The ability to bridge architecture with other disciplines such as engineering, computer science, or social science, along with experience in collaborative projects.
4. Excellent skills in English. Finnish and Swedish language skills are beneficial.

Required computational skills and abilities:

1. Expertise in parametric, algorithmic, and computational design methods.
2. Proficiency with immersive design technologies (VR/MR), such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
3. Experience with machine learning frameworks.
4. Knowledge of real-time rendering and simulation platforms to support immersive design workflows.
5. Familiarity with main historical and contemporary conceptual and theoretical developments in computational design.

What we offer

We are located on the Aalto University campus in Otaniemi, Espoo, with several other neighboring research institutions and organizations. We offer you a possibility to work within a well-resourced learning, research, and art & design community. The School of Arts, Design and Architecture has a well-equipped infrastructure for research and artistic activities, including top-class audiovisual and workshop premises. We are the only university in Finland that offers studies and conducts research in the fields of architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, as well as urban design and urban planning. The lecturer will be part of an inspiring and supportive community of experienced professionals and highly motivated students. The lecturer will also have the opportunity to use the Department's extensive networks both nationally and internationally, and enjoy our great resources to build educational workshops, master classes and student productions with the help of our production service, Aalto Studios (https://studios.aalto.fi/).

The salary will be defined based on the applicant's qualifications and level of the position in accordance with the Aalto University salary system. In addition to the salary, Aalto University provides its employees with occupational health care and excellent learning and development opportunities.

Our vast array of professional development opportunities means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs. We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life, offering a family-friendly environment. Life on the campus is vibrant, featuring well-known architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.

Ready to apply?

To apply, we kindly ask you to submit your application materials by 7 April 2025 at 23:59 (Eastern European time UTC +2) at the latest. Please find a link to the recruitment system at the end of this application announcement. The following application materials should be submitted in English and in pdf format (please note that the maximum size per document is 5MB):

1. Portfolio of professional practice containing up to five selected design pieces, architectural work or related artistic output (max. 20 pages).
2. If you already work at Aalto University, please apply for the position by using your existing Workday user account Please see how to apply as an internal applicant here.

In the second stage of the recruitment process, the recruitment committee will select the candidates invited to a site visit to the Department of Architecture in spring 2025. During the site visit, the candidates will be interviewed and asked to give a teaching demonstration for which the instructions will be provided in advance. Applicants will also have the opportunity to meet with staff and students and to present their work more informally. During the evaluation process, we will ask external reviewers to give their assessments of the shortlisted candidates.

Aalto University reserves the right to leave the position open, to extend the application period, to ask for supplementary materials, or to consider additional candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

For more information

For additional information, please contact Chair of the Departmental Committee Professor Toni Kotnik: toni.kotnik(at)aalto.fi

In questions related to the recruitment process, please contact HR Partner Enni Ailoranta: enni.ailoranta(at)aalto.fi

To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here.

Please see more of our Open Positions here.