Doctoral Position in Mechanics of Frictional Particle Suspensions at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Summary

The Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) within the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich is inviting applications for a fully funded Doctoral Position (PhD). The selected candidate will conduct computational and theoretical research investigating how microscopic frictional interactions (sliding and rolling friction) govern the macroscopic rheological behavior of dense particle suspensions, bridging microscopic mechanics and macroscopic continuum response in collaboration with experimental partners.

Doctoral Position in Mechanics of Frictional Particle Suspensions at ETH Zurich

Designation

• Doctoral Student / PhD Researcher (100%, Fixed-term)

Overview Table

Research Area

• Solid & Fluid Mechanics / Computational Physics
• Mechanics of granular and colloidal suspensions
• Multi-scale modeling, particle rheology, and coarse-grained molecular dynamics
• Micro-to-macro failure and flow mechanics

Location

• Zurich, Switzerland (ETH Zurich)

Eligibility / Qualifications

• Academic Degree: Master’s degree (MSc) in Mechanics, Physics, Materials Science, or Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Biomedical, or related fields).
• Technical Knowledge: Strong foundation in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, computational mechanics, or numerical modeling.
• Computational Skills: Experience with scientific coding, version control, and programming in Python; experience with code verification/validation against reference/experimental data.
• Advantageous (Not Mandatory): Prior exposure to coarse-grained molecular dynamics, colloidal suspensions, or rheology (project-specific concepts can be learned during doctoral studies).
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in English (both written and oral).
• Interpersonal Skills: Self-motivated, collaborative mindset, strong curiosity, and enthusiasm for working closely with experimental research teams.

Scholarship / Job Description

As a PhD researcher in this project, you will:

• Investigate theoretically and computationally how particle-scale frictional interactions govern the macroscopic flow behavior of concentrated suspensions.
• Implement and execute particle-based simulation methods (including coarse-grained molecular dynamics).
• Connect microscopic mechanics (particle geometry, contact friction) to macroscopic suspension rheology using physics-based models.
• Validate and verify computational models using experimental datasets provided by collaborators in the ETH Department of Materials.
• Extract physical mechanisms from simulation datasets and contribute modeling insights to experimental observations.
• Benefit from the comprehensive research infrastructure, international network, and employee benefits of ETH Zurich (e.g., ASVZ sports access, public transit ticket contributions, competitive Swiss PhD salary).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the ETH Zurich Online Application Portal. Applications sent via email or postal mail are not accepted.

Required Application Documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Academic Transcripts / List of completed courses
3. Project Statement: A brief statement outlining your project idea relevant to the job description, connecting your background and related literature
4. References: Contact details (names and emails) of two academic/professional references

For informal inquiries regarding the position (no applications), contact: Prof. David Kammer (dkammer@ethz.ch).

Last Date to Apply

• Open until filled (Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early application is recommended).

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