We have an Open Ph.D. Position
We invite applications for a Ph.D. position in Computational Design, Structural Optimization, and Digital Fabrication of Timber Structures.
Project Overview:
The successful candidate will contribute to developing an integrated digital workflow that bridges the gap between computational structural engineering, algorithmic-aided design, development of an open-source Python-based framework, and timber construction. This interdisciplinary research will leverage advanced computational tools (COMPAS) to create solutions for automating the structural timber design, integrated engineering design within a manufacturing ecosystem, plug-in development, and fabrication processes in timber construction.
Research Themes Include:
- Integration of Computer-aided Design, Computer-aided Manufacturing, and Computer-Aided Engineering
- Contribution to the development of an open-source computational platform for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, using COMPAS
- Generative simulation and design of timber systems using computational methods and parametric design approaches,
- Development of graphical user interfaces (GUI) and automated end-to-end design-to-fabrication workflows,
- Validation of methods through applied, industry-driven case studies.
Requirements:
- Fulfillment of the minimum admission requirements of CivMin’s PhD program,
- Thirst for learning and discovery!
- A Master’s degree in in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Computer Science, Digital Architecture, Engineering Science, or a closely related field,
- Background in software development (ideally demonstrated through public repositories such as GitHub),
- Demonstrated knowledge of, or familiarity with, structural mechanics,
- High proficiency in Python, with preference given to candidates who have applied Python to plugin or tool development,
- Experience with computational design frameworks and tools relevant to AEC, such as Rhino 3D and Grasshopper, CadWork, Blender, OpenSees, ETABS, ABAQUS, or similar platforms),
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills (ideally supported by peer-reviewed publications),
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary academic and industry settings.
What We Offer:
- The opportunity to conduct research at Canada’s #1 engineering school, in collaboration with our research partners at top-ranked global institutions in engineering and design,
- Strong industry partnerships providing hands-on, applied research experience and real-world impact,
- A competitive funding package (including the University of Toronto’s new base Ph.D. stipend of $40,000 per year),
- Access to state-of-the-art computational design platforms and advanced structural testing facilities
Start Date:
- September 2025 (preferred), but negotiable
Application Procedure:
Candidates are invited to submit the following materials to Professor Aryan Rezaei Rad at aryan.rad@utoronto.ca:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the names and contact information of three recent references
- statement of research interests and motivation tailored to this project (maximum 1 page)
- Copies of academic transcripts
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a multi-stage interview process, including one general and two technical discussions.
I acknowledge the time and effort it takes to prepare and submit an application. While I make every effort to respond to all inquiries, please be advised that if the volume of applications exceeds capacity, I may not be able to reply to each email individually. Your interest is genuinely appreciated..
Contact:
Aryan Rezaei Rad, Dr. ès Sciences
Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering
University of Toronto
Email: aryan.rad@utoronto.ca
https://sustrucsy.civmin.utoronto.ca/
