Summary
ETH Zurich is offering a doctoral position in the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) within the Institute for Building Materials. This position focuses on the contact mechanics of architected interfaces, investigating how local contact interactions in architected materials collectively determine their macroscopic interface response. The role involves combining physics-based numerical modeling, theoretical reasoning, and concepts from rough-surface and multiscale mechanics.
Designation
Doctoral Student
Key Details
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| University | ETH Zurich |
| Institute/Department | Institute for Building Materials, Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) |
| Position Type | Doctoral Position (100%, fixed-term) |
| Research Focus | Contact Mechanics, Architected Interfaces, Numerical Modeling, Solid Mechanics |
| Start Date | Flexible, possibly as soon as possible |
Research Area
The research will primarily focus on:
- Contact mechanics of architected materials
- Interface mechanics
- Computational modeling of material behavior
- Physics-based numerical modeling and theoretical reasoning
- Concepts from rough-surface and multiscale mechanics
- Linking cell-scale mechanics with effective behavior of large architected interfaces
Location
Zurich, Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Hold an MSc degree in mechanics, physics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, material science, computational science, or a related discipline.
- Possess a strong background in mechanics, applied physics, computational mechanics, scientific computing, or a related field.
- A foundation in solid mechanics, contact mechanics, or multiscale modeling is particularly relevant.
- Experience implementing scientific code and assessing computational results through validation, verification, and quantitative comparison with reference data.
- Prior programming experience in Python and use of version control.
- Curious, self-motivated, and interested in using modeling and quantitative reasoning to answer mechanics and physics questions.
- Fluent in English (oral and written).
- Enjoys working in a team, possesses necessary social skills and communication abilities, and contributes proactively to a positive group atmosphere.
- Experience with architected materials, rough-surface contact mechanics, homogenization, statistical mechanics, or multiscale methods is an advantage but not required.
Scholarship Description
The doctoral student will conduct a computational and theoretical investigation into how local contact interactions in architected materials collectively determine their macroscopic interface response. This involves developing and using numerical models of lattice materials to understand the underlying principles of contact behavior. The project will analyze how architectural features, material properties, and characteristic length scales influence quantities such as contact area, pressure distributions, interface stiffness, and load transmission. The goal is to develop statistical or homogenized descriptions that connect the mechanics of individual contacting cells to the effective behavior of large architected interfaces. The position offers a stimulating environment for scientific growth and collaboration within a dynamic, international, and supportive research group at ETH Zurich, a world-leading university in science and technology.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Applications sent via email or postal services will not be considered.
Required application documents include:
- CV
- An academic transcript/list of courses completed
- A brief statement describing a project idea relevant to the job description, connecting it to your experience and related work from the literature
- The names and contact details of two references
Questions regarding the position can be directed to Prof. David Kammer at dkammer@ethz.ch (please note, no applications should be sent to this email).
Last Date for Apply
The position is available with a flexible start date, possibly as soon as possible. No specific application deadline is mentioned, implying applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
