PhD in Active Meta-Structures for Enhanced Damage Detection and Localization on Wind Turbine Blades

PhD in Active Meta-Structures for Enhanced Damage Detection and Localization on Wind Turbine Blades
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Met2Adapt (M2A) seeks to appoint 16 highly motivated Ph.D. candidates to a range of positions across Europe. The Early Stage Researcher (ESR) positions offer an exciting opportunity to work with leading experts across Europe to design and deliver sustainable meta-materials for vibration mitigation, self-aware meta-components and carbon-efficient meta-structures for the renewable energy sector via the M2A European Training Network (ETN), funded by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme.

Project background

M2A puts forward a robust methodology to deliver innovative research and training vis-à-vis the following interlinked routes: (i) To engineer novel meta-material architectures with optimum vibration mitigation capabilities tailored to the specific mechanical and environmental stimuli pertinent to wind and wave energy production; (ii) To innovate a robust multi-physics simulation framework from the meta-material to the meta-structures scale, leveraging the advantages of physics rich AI simulation; (iii) To design meta-structures that are self-tuned, resilient, and adaptable to adverse environmental conditions and eventually (iv) to deliver a closed system empowered with intelligent SHM and prognostics capabilities hence enabling a truly manageable and resilient green-energy production ecosystem.

The M2A network consists of leading academic institutions and companies from 9 different countries (Greece, Portugal, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland and United States).ESR16 in particular is hosted at ETH Zurich.

Job description

ESR15 will elaborate on the damage detection and localization problem of wind turbine (WT) blades. WT blades are amenable to quite complex mechanical and environmental loading over their life cycle. Among other failure mechanisms (such as operational errors and manufacturing defects) surface damage and structural cracks are common. While they, in general, do not reduce the operating functionality of the blade, damaged/cracked surfaces certainly reduce the aerodynamic performance and, upon growing, may lead to structural damage. Therefore, early detection and localization is essential.

In this regard, the main objectives are:

• To classify the topology of damage on blades, by studying the extensive relevant literature. Indeed, often-observed damage mechanisms of blades include the root and the transition regions, as well as the leading and trailing edges.

• To design a class of surface-bonded metamaterials acting as meta-filters for guided waves.

• To perform numerical and experimental (both on a laboratory scale and on real blades) verification and validation.

This doctoral student position is offered for 36 months with the earliest starting date as agreed upon recruitment. Primary advisor is Prof. Eleni Chatzi (ETH Zurich, DBAUG), co-advisors are Dr. Vasileios Ntertimanis (ETH Zurich) and Dr. Andrea Colombi (Zurich University of Applied Sciences, ZHAW).

Profile

Applicants must:

• hold a M.Sc. Diploma (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering, geosciences, physics, applied mathematics, or related fields, and be at the beginning of their research career.
• possess principal qualifications that include strong analytical and quantitative skills in computational solid mechanics, nonlinear dynamics, data analysis, mechatronics, and interest in laboratory-based experimentation and engineering applications.
• have a solid knowledge of English as the spoken and written language of work.

We expect good interpersonal skills, the ability to thrive in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment, ability to present work in international conference, as well as the willingness to spend a number of months working with project collaborators at partner universities in this project.

ETN Mobility Rules: Researchers can be of any nationality. At the time of recruitment, researchers

• Should not have resided or carried out your main activity in Switzerland, for more than 12 months within the last 3 years
• Must be in the first four years of their research careers and not yet have a doctoral degree.

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

We offer you the opportunity to be a part of M2A, which will not only facilitate sixteen Doctoral Candidates in reaching a high level of technical and project-specific excellence but will also provide you with many opportunities for developing skills that are transferable to a broader landscape of opportunities. You will have the opportunity to visit industry and other academic institutions within the consortium. After completing the program, you will have a thorough understanding of the process from research via innovation to industry implementation and a strong career-defining network.

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.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

• a letter of motivation

• a CV

• a clear designation M2A ESR16 you are applying for

• electronic copies of your academic diplomas and certificates

• contact details from at least 2 referees, with at least 1 uploaded reference letter.

The applications will be reviewed starting February 1, 2026 with the intent to conclude the search by the end of April 2026.

For further information please visit the website of the Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring at ETH Zurich.

Questions regarding the position should be directed by email to Dr. V. Ntertimanis ).

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.

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