PhD position: Shape memory alloy

Vor 4 Tagen

Dübendorf, Zürich, Schweiz Empa Vollzeit

PhD position: Shape memory alloy (SMA) Z-pin fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites
Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

We offer an opportunity to join an exciting project at our Structural Engineering Laboratory , within the Advanced Structural Materials and Systems (ASMS) research group, in collaboration with ETH Zurich. The four-year project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), explores an innovative application of shape memory alloys: Interlaminar reinforcement of laminated FRPs using prestressed Z-pins. Your research will contribute to the fundamental understanding and quantitative assessment of whether, and to what extent, SMA Z-pins are an efficient solution for through-thickness reinforcement of FRPs.

Your tasks
You will work in collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher/scientist mainly on:

  • Design and manufacturing of SMA Z-pinned FRPs
  • SMA activation and micromechanical modeling
  • Progressive damage modeling of reinforced FRPs
  • Mechanical characterization and fracture experiments
  • Complete a PhD thesis at ETHZ

Your profile

  • Highly motivated and talented candidate with a Master's degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline
  • Solid background in mechanics of materials and finite element analysis
  • Sound knowledge of fracture mechanics and/or SMA reinforcements
  • Practical experience with FRP manufacturing and mechanical experiments
  • Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of German is an asset

Our offer

  • Fully funded four-year PhD position at Empa in Dübendorf, starting by mutual agreement, no later than August 2026
  • Joint supervision by Empa and ETH Zurich
  • Challenging and varied responsibilities in a dynamic, nationally and internationally oriented research environment
  • Access to state-of-the-art experimental and computational infrastructure
  • Attractive employment conditions at Empa, including a collegial working atmosphere, and competitive salary and social benefits

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

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