Fully-Funded PhD Position: Digital Timber – Integrated CAD–CAE–CAM for Modular Construction
We invite applications for a fully-funded 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.
The Core Stack:
Integrated CadWork (CAD/CAM API), Rhino, COMPAS, and OpenSees (+ COMPAS_FEA2) to deliver rule-based generation of timber systems, in-model structural analysis with CSA O86-24 design, CNC-ready outputs, and BOM/costing, all to be validated on industrial case studies at 1:1 scale.
Key Responsabilities:
- CAD: Design, develop, and implement rule-based generative design for timber structures using COMPAS and CadWork.
- CAM: Develop CAM-integrated plug-ins in CadWork for geometry extraction, attribute mapping, result annotations, BOM/cost exports.
- CAE: Develop algorithms to generate associated Finite Element models in the COMPAS_FEA2 ecosystem using OpenSees; and implement CSA O86:24 design checks.
- Integration: Prototype a lightweight GUI (potentially using PyQt/Tkinter) for non-programmer users to execute CAE models within the CAM ecosystem.
- Co-validate the pipeline on industrial projects and document methods for industry adoption.
Required Qualifications:
- Fulfillment of the minimum admission requirements of CivMin’s PhD program,
- BASc/BSc/MASc/MEng in Engineering Science or Civil/Structural/Mechanical/Architectural Eng., Computer Science, or related.
- Evidence of software development,
- Knowledge of structural mechanics,
- Strong Python (C# is a plus),
- Experience with CAD (e.g., AutoCAD, Rhino 3D and Grasshopper, Blender), CAM (e.g., CadWork, Fusion, Solidworks), and CAE (e.g., OpenSees, Sap2000, ABAQUS, RFEM, Sofistik),
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills,
- 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 Canadian industry partnerships providing hands-on, applied research experience,
- A competitive funding package.
Start Date:
- Flexible, preferrebly January 2026, but negotiable
Application Procedure:
Complete the Microsoft Forms application at https://forms.office.com/r/FStbFegb5m
You will be asked to email the following materials to Professor Aryan R. Rad at aryan.rad@utoronto.ca:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the names and contact information of three recent references
- 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.
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/
