Doctoral Position in contact mechanics of architected interfaces

At the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) in the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich, we aim to understand how materials deform, degrade, break, and ultimately fail. Our research is driven by curiosity about the physical mechanisms that underlie failure and by the ambition to translate this understanding into more reliable and resilient materials and structures. By combining numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analyses, we seek to link microscopic processes with the macroscopic behavior of both engineering and natural systems and develop predictive tools for mechanical failure.

Our team is highly interdisciplinary and international, bringing together researchers with backgrounds in materials science, mechanics, and applied physics. We work across a broad range of topics, including the mechanics of particle systems (colloidal and granular), architected and topologically interlocked materials, the mechanics of fragility in collagen, the mechanics of earthquakes, fracture of soft materials, and modeling failure in multiphysical processes such as corrosion-driven degradation of concrete. What unites these efforts is a shared curiosity about why complex materials fail and a commitment to developing new concepts, experiments, and models that advance our understanding of failure mechanics.

We are seeking a motivated and innovative doctoral student with a strong interest in solid mechanics, interface mechanics, and computational modeling to investigate how local contact interactions in architected materials shape their macroscopic interface response. The project will explore how architecture influences collective contact behavior, aiming to develop design principles. The work will combine physics-based numerical modeling, theoretical reasoning, and concepts from rough-surface and multiscale mechanics.

Job description

• You will conduct a computational and theoretical investigation of how local contact interactions in architected materials collectively determine their macroscopic interface response.
• The work will connect cell-scale mechanics with concepts from multiscale/rough-surface contact mechanics to develop effective descriptions of architected interfaces.
• You will develop and use numerical models of lattice materials to investigate the underlying principles of contact behavior of architected materials.
• You will analyze how architectural features, material properties, and characteristic length scales influence quantities such as contact area, pressure distributions, interface stiffness, and load transmission.
• Building on these results, you will seek statistical or homogenized descriptions that connect the mechanics of individual contacting cells to the effective behavior of large architected interfaces.
• The position provides a stimulating environment for scientific growth and collaboration.

Profile

• You hold an MSc degree in mechanics, physics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, material science, computational science, or a related discipline.
• You have a background in mechanics, applied physics, computational mechanics, scientific computing, or a related field. A foundation in areas such as solid mechanics, contact mechanics, or multiscale modeling is particularly relevant.
• You have experience implementing scientific code and assessing computational results through validation, verification, and quantitative comparison with reference data.
• You have prior programming experience in Python and have used version control.
• You are curious, self-motivated, and interested in using modeling and quantitative reasoning to answer mechanics and physics questions. Experience with architected materials, rough-surface contact mechanics, homogenization, statistical mechanics, or multiscale methods is an advantage but is not required; the project-specific methods and concepts can be learned during the doctoral studies.
• You are fluent in English (oral and written).
• You enjoy working in a team, possess the necessary social skills and communication abilities, and contribute proactively to a positive group atmosphere.

We offer

• You will join a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, rigor, and collaboration.
• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university .
• You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits .

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• An academic transcript/list of courses completed
• A brief statement describing your project idea relevant to the job description, making a connection to your experience and the related work from the literature
• The names and contact details of two references

Further information about the professorship can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. David Kammer, E-Mail auf jobs.nzz.ch ansehen (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

The position is available with a flexible start date, possibly as soon as possible.