Doctoral Student in Engineering Education

ETHZ – EPFL Joint Doctoral Program in the Learning Sciences
The Chair of Product Development and Engineering Design is looking for doctoral students at the intersection of makerspaces and engineering education within the ETHZ – EPFL Joint Doctoral Program in the Learning Sciences. We offer the following project within which you can shape your own research question and profile.

Project background – Makerspaces: Learning, agile development and innovation
In the last decade, product development and engineering design education have undergone dramatic changes. Novel production technologies, such as 3D printing and digital processes, have made manufacturing much more accessible in early stage development and in engineering design education. The curriculum is shifting from theoretical education to project-based education, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real word development projects. The same shift can be observed in industry iterations of prototypes based on minimal viable products based are at the center of development, are becoming a standard approach.

The changes in product development and engineering have disrupted the established standards in education and training. The ability to formulate hypotheses and develop effective tests to validate them is replacing traditional approaches. As the exploration of new possibilities becomes increasingly important and key success factor for innovation.

The goal of this PhD research project will be to identify the essential skills necessary to create a meaningful learning experience for both the education of students as well in their continuing education. The overall objective will be to develop new learning and teaching concepts embedded in to makerspaces.

Your profile
We welcome highly motivated and curious applicants with a completed STEM Master's degree. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to Engineering, Computer Science, Learning Sciences, or Psychology. You are expected to conduct and publish interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Engineering Education and the Learning Sciences and to work with an interdisciplinary team.

Interested?
Please apply directly to the ETHZ-EPFL Joint Doctoral Program in the Learning Sciences, referring in your application to your interest in the advertised topic. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Contact
For any questions related to this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Mirko Meboldt ().