PhD position: modeling fracture in soft materials

Vor 6 Tagen

Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University Vollzeit
PhD position: modeling fracture in soft materials

ETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.

The Computational Mechanics of Building Materials in the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich has an opening for a PhD student in modeling fracture in soft materials.

The Computational Mechanics of Building Materials (CMBM) aims to understand and predict mechanical failure in materials and structures. By combining numerical modeling tools with tailored laboratory experiments and theoretical models, we create a holistic perspective on mechanical failure, bridging the gap between material behavior at the small scale and principles governing catastrophic failure at the system level. CMBM is a highly interdisciplinary and international research team. The topics of current research projects at CMBM include uncovering the mechanisms of earthquake nucleation and arrest, building structures with topologically interlocked materials, revealing the processes governing the structural build-up of cement in additive manufacturing, determining the nano- and micro-scale processes that control cracking of concrete due to corrosion, uncovering the fundamental laws governing granular materials, and revealing the damage and fracture mechanisms in soft materials.

This position is part of a collaborative project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which supports multiple researchers, at ETH Zurich and at partner universities, and focuses on the development of fundamental knowledge about fracture in soft and slender bodies.

Soft materials such as hydrogels and elastomers are increasingly used in engineering applications, from biomedical devices to soft robotics. These materials are often employed in slender configurations that offer flexibility and adaptability but also introduce complex fracture behaviors. In this project, we aim to develop a fundamental understanding of fracture in soft and slender bodies. By investigating how dissipation, geometric nonlinearities, and slenderness interact across multiple length scales, we seek to uncover the mechanisms that govern crack initiation and growth. Through a combination of theory, simulations, and experiments, we aim to build predictive models of fracture and provide a foundation for designing soft materials with enhanced reliability and fracture resistance.

The successful candidate will develop numerical and theoretical models to investigate fracture in soft and slender bodies. She/he will explore how nonlinear elasticity, dissipation, and slender geometry interact to influence crack initiation and growth. Using in-house codes and high-performance computing resources, the candidate will simulate fracture processes and analyze the dissipative mechanisms to uncover the mechanisms driving failure. She/he will contribute to the development of predictive models that capture the complex interplay of length scales in soft materials. The candidate will work in close collaboration with experimental researchers within the project, providing modeling insights and helping to interpret experimental observations.

Profile

You hold an MSc degree in mechanics, physics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, material science, or a related discipline and have a background in solid mechanics, applied physics and mathematics, computational sciences, or a related field. Additionally, you have prior programming experience and are fluent in English (oral and written). You show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and you strive for scientific excellence. You enjoy working in a team, possess the necessary social skills and communication abilities, and contribute proactively to a positive group atmosphere.

We offer
  • Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

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.

Curious? So are we.

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

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

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

Further information about the department can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. David Kammer by email dkammer@ethz.ch (no applications).

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

  • PhD position: modeling fracture in soft materials

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz NZZone Vollzeit

    The Computational Mechanics of Building Materials in the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich has an opening for a PhD student in modeling fracture in soft materials.The Computational Mechanics of Building Materials (CMBM) aims to understand and predict mechanical failure in materials and structures. By combining numerical modeling tools with...

  • Soft Material Fracture Specialist PhD Position

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz NZZone Vollzeit

    About NZZone\NZZone is a leading research institution dedicated to advancing the field of soft materials. Our team of experts is committed to understanding and predicting fracture behavior in these complex materials.\We are seeking a highly skilled PhD researcher to join our team and contribute to our ongoing project focused on modeling fracture in soft and...

  • PhD Researcher in Soft Materials Modeling

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz NZZone Vollzeit

    About NZZone\NZZone is a renowned research institution dedicated to advancing the field of soft materials. Our team of experts is committed to understanding and predicting fracture behavior in these complex materials.\We are seeking a highly skilled PhD researcher to join our team and contribute to our ongoing project focused on modeling fracture in soft and...

  • Modeling Fracture in Soft and Slender Bodies

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz NZZone Vollzeit

    About NZZone\NZZone is a world-leading research institution specializing in science and technology. Our team of experts is dedicated to advancing the field of soft materials and developing innovative solutions for real-world challenges.\We are seeking a highly skilled PhD researcher to join our team and contribute to our ongoing project focused on modeling...

  • Numerical Modeler for Soft Material Fracture

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz NZZone Vollzeit

    About NZZone\NZZone is a leading research institution specializing in science and technology. Our team of experts is dedicated to advancing the field of soft materials and developing innovative solutions for real-world challenges.\We are seeking a highly skilled PhD researcher to join our team and contribute to our ongoing project focused on modeling...

  • Soft Materials Fracture Investigator Needed

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University Vollzeit

    The PhD student will contribute to the development of predictive models that capture the complex interplay of length scales in soft materials. She/he will work closely with experimental researchers to understand the mechanisms driving failure in soft materials. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with international partners...

  • Materials Modeling Expert Wanted

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University Vollzeit

    We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team at ETH Zurich. The successful candidate will work on a collaborative project investigating fracture in soft and slender bodies. This project aims to develop predictive models of fracture in soft materials and provide a foundation for designing materials with enhanced reliability and...

  • PhD Position in Advanced Materials Research

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University Vollzeit

    The Computational Mechanics of Building Materials at ETH Zurich is seeking a PhD student to investigate fracture in soft materials. This position is part of a collaborative project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which supports researchers at ETH Zurich and partner universities.Soft materials such as hydrogels and elastomers are increasingly...

  • Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanics and Materials

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University Vollzeit

    The Computational Mechanics of Building Materials at ETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to investigate fracture in soft materials. The successful candidate will develop numerical and theoretical models to predict fracture in soft and slender bodies. She/he will work closely with experimental researchers to understand the mechanisms driving...

  • PhD Researcher in Soft Robotics

    Vor 4 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz NZZone Vollzeit

    Company OverviewNZZone is an international and interdisciplinary team of material scientists, roboticists, and chemists with a passion for futuristic robotics. We take a bottom-up approach to robotics and develop soft materials and devices that would enable unusual form and unconventional functions for broader robotic applications.About the JobWe are seeking...

  • Materials Modeling Expert

    vor 1 Woche

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Vollzeit

    PhD Position: Modelling materials with local lattice instabilitiesThe research group at Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to develop computational approaches for understanding disorder in crystalline materials.Project BackgroundThis project focuses on crystals exhibiting electronic disorder, where degenerate...

  • PhD Position in Computational Materials Science

    vor 1 Woche

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Vollzeit

    Computational Materials Science ResearcherWe are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research group at Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich and contribute to the development of computational approaches for understanding disorder in crystalline materials.Project OverviewThis project focuses on crystals exhibiting electronic disorder,...

  • PhD Researcher in Sustainable Materials

    vor 1 Woche

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz NZZone Vollzeit

    About the JobWe are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team at NZZone. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of novel sustainable soft materials and demonstrate sustainable robotic functions in real-world environments.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and synthesis of functional sustainable soft materials.Design and...

  • PhD Position in Advanced Material Science

    vor 2 Wochen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz ETH Vollzeit

    At ETH Zürich, we are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our Quantum Material Dynamics group. Our research focuses on understanding the ultrafast dynamics of quantum materials under pressure.The goal of this project is to investigate how the system responds dynamically when it is brought out of equilibrium following excitation by...

  • PhD Position in Microstructure of Cellulose, Zurich, Switzerland

    vor 3 Wochen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Maserati of San Diego Vollzeit

    Home PhD PhD Position in Microstructure of Cellulose, Zurich, Switzerland PhD Position in Microstructure of Cellulose: We are excited to offer a fully funded PhD position, focused on an interdisciplinary project that integrates soft matter physics and material science to develop the next generation of architected bacterial cellulose for fundamental...

  • Cloud Modeling PhD Researcher

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University Vollzeit

    **Karlstad University** invites applications for a 3-4 year PhD position focused on modeling aerosol-cloud-radiation interactions using high-resolution simulations within the BeyondCloudlab project. Our research group studies the role of clouds and aerosols in the climate system.We aim to gain a better understanding of how cloud microphysical processes drive...

  • PhD Position: Modelling materials with local lattice instabilities

    vor 3 Wochen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Vollzeit

    PhD Position: Modelling materials with local lattice instabilitiesThe research group of Prof. Simonov at ETH Zurich is seeking a motivated PhD candidate interested in developing computational approaches for understanding disorder in crystalline materials.Project backgroundOur research focuses on crystals exhibiting electronic disorder, where degenerate...

  • PhD position – Developing innovative plasmonic materials

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University Vollzeit

    PhD position – Developing innovative plasmonic materialsETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.Applications are invited for a PhD position in the Air Quality and Particle Technology group (Prof. Dr. J. Wang). The successful candidate will work in...

  • PhD in Sustainable Robotics Development

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University Vollzeit

    Job DescriptionThis full-time position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainable robotics. As a PhD candidate, you will work alongside an international team of experts to develop innovative soft materials and devices that can enable unusual form and unconventional functions.Your primary responsibilities will include...

  • Research Position: Local Structure Modeling

    Vor 6 Tagen

    Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Vollzeit

    Crystallography ResearcherWe invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position to work on local structure modeling of disordered single crystals. The successful candidate will have expertise in either computational materials science or experimental crystallography.The research project involves developing and applying machine learning approaches to...