PhD Position Available – Canada Impact+ Award

PhD Position – Canada Impact+ Award ($40,000/year × 3 years)

LAIR (Laboratory for Architecture, Informatics and Robotics)
Université de Montréal, School of Architecture

LAIR is seeking one distinguished international PhD candidate for nomination to the Canada Impact+ Research Training Award ($40,000/year for 3 years).​

About LAIR

LAIR advances architectural creation through computational design and robotic fabrication. The lab operates ABB industrial robotic arms and develops custom digital workflows linking algorithmic design to material assembly.​

Research Focus

The PhD will address advanced manufacturing and AI for architecture, aligned with Impact+ priority areas “Manufacturing and advanced materials” and/or “Artificial intelligence and data science.” Possible topics include:​

  • AI/machine learning for robotic fabrication (toolpath optimization, defect detection, adaptive assembly)

  • Computational design with generative algorithms and data-driven form-finding

  • Additive and hybrid manufacturing for building components

  • Computer vision and sensing for construction automation

  • Custom software development (Rhino/Grasshopper + AI frameworks)

Candidate Profile

You are currently studying or working outside Canada (any citizenship, including returning Canadians) and have no current affiliation with a Canadian institution. You hold (or will complete by summer 2026) a Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, computer science, design, or related field, with:​

  • Strong Rhino/Grasshopper skills and programming ability (Python or C#)

  • Experience with digital fabrication (robotic, CNC, additive manufacturing) and/or AI/ML frameworks

  • Demonstrated research potential through publications, projects, or portfolio work

  • English or French proficiency

Application

Submit by January 31, 2026 to lair@umontreal.ca:

  1. CV (max 2 pages)

  2. Letter of intent (1 page: research interests, fit with LAIR)

  3. Portfolio (PDF max 20 pages or link)

Selected candidates will be contacted by February 6 to co-develop the nomination package for submission to UdeM by February 23, 2026.​

Start date: September 2026 or January 2027
Questions? lair@umontreal.ca

Spontaneous application

Join Our Team at the Laboratory for Architecture, Informatics, and Robotics (LAIR)!

We are continuously seeking talented and motivated individuals to join our innovative research team at the School of Architecture, University of Montreal. If you have a strong background in architecture, structural design, computer science, or related fields and are passionate about computational design and digital fabrication, we encourage you to apply.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field
  • Proficiency in Rhino/Grasshopper, including scripting
  • Good command of English and/or French

Desirable Skills:

  • Programming (C# or Python)
  • Digital fabrication (CNC, Robotic fabrication, Additive manufacturing)
  • Structural simulation (FEA/FEM)
  • VR/AR technologies
  • AI models, Computer vision, Point Cloud processing

Application Requirements:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Brief letter of intent (1 page)
  • Relevant portfolio (PDF max 20 pages or online link)

Special Considerations: Even in the absence of a specific call, special attention will be given to outstanding candidates and those who have their own funding.

How to Apply: Submit your application to lair[at]umontreal.ca. Please note that only selected applications will receive a response.

We welcome diverse applicants and provide equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.