Postdoctoral Researcher: Experimental Fracture Mechanics 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
ETH Zürich
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Postdoctoral Researcher: Experimental Fracture Mechanics
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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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
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
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 dkammer@ethz.ch (no applications).
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial
intelligence.
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.
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.
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
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
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
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 dkammer@ethz.ch (no applications).
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial
intelligence.
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.
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.