Postdoctoral Researcher: Experimental Fracture Mechanics

Postdoctoral Researcher: Experimental Fracture Mechanics
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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.

To further strengthen and expand our experimental research activities, we are seeking a motivated and creative Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in fracture mechanics. The successful candidate will help develop our laboratory capabilities and lead independent research that complements and extends our ongoing efforts to understand the mechanisms and laws governing material failure.

Job description

• You will contribute to the experimental and theoretical investigation of fracture processes in complex materials
• The position offers the opportunity to design and conduct advanced experiments and to work closely with researchers who develop analytical and numerical models, integrating these perspectives to reveal the fundamental mechanisms of material failure
• Depending on the candidate's background and interests, the research may focus on one or more areas such as fracture of soft and architected materials, failure in particle systems, material cutting, or the frictional failure of interfaces
• In addition to carrying out independent research, the Postdoctoral Researcher will actively contribute to the development of the group's experimental infrastructure, supervise student projects, and collaborate with other researchers within SMEC and across ETH Zurich
• The position provides a stimulating environment for scientific growth and collaboration

Profile

• You have a doctoral degree in mechanics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, materials science, physics, or a related field, with a strong background in experimental research
• You are experienced in designing and conducting laboratory experiments, developing and using measurement techniques, and analyzing complex mechanical behavior of materials.
• Experience in fracture mechanics or related areas such as solid mechanics, tribology, or soft matter is particularly welcome
• You are curious, creative, and self-motivated, with a strong interest in understanding the physical mechanisms that govern material failure
• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment and are enthusiastic about collaborating with colleagues who combine experiments, modeling, and theory Strong communication skills, the ability to mentor students, and the ability to contribute to a collaborative research atmosphere are essential

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

• 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
• You will join a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, creativity, and collaboration
• ETH Zurich offers an outstanding scientific environment and state-of-the-art research facilities
• 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.

Curious? So are we.

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

We look forward to receiving your online application, which should include the following documents:

• CV
• A list of publications
• A brief statement outlining your research interests and how they relate to the themes of this position
• 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 professorship can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. David Kammer by email (no applications).

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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