At the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) in the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich, research focuses on understanding how materials deform, degrade, break, and ultimately fail. The team combines numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analyses to link microscopic processes with macroscopic behavior in engineering and natural systems, aiming to develop predictive tools for mechanical failure. The group is highly interdisciplinary and international, working across a broad range of topics related to failure mechanics.
To expand research in experimental fracture mechanics, the group seeks a motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong experimental background to develop quantitative experiments and imaging-based methods to characterize complex fracture behavior.
Tasks
- Lead experimental research on the fracture mechanics of advanced materials, including architected materials and soft materials, using advanced imaging techniques such as confocal imaging and high-speed imaging to investigate complex fracture behavior near the crack tip.
- Use image-based measurement techniques, such as digital image correlation (DIC), particle tracking, and other quantitative methods, to quantify displacement and strain fields, crack-tip deformation, fracture energy, and rate-dependent behavior.
- Develop optical measurement methods to characterize interfacial contact, deformation, and friction in soft materials and architected materials.
- Collaborate closely with researchers specializing in numerical modeling, theoretical analysis, and soft materials.
- Actively contribute to the supervision of junior researchers (e.g., PhD students and Master's students) within SMEC.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in mechanics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, materials science, physics, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience in mechanical testing, experimental design, instrumentation, and quantitative measurements of material deformation and fracture.
- Experience with digital image correlation, particle tracking, high-speed imaging, optical microscopy, or other quantitative optical measurement techniques is highly desirable.
- Ability to independently develop and validate experimental methods, collaborate across disciplines, mentor students, and communicate effectively in English.
- Commitment to open and reproducible research is expected.
- Curious, creative, and self-motivated, with a strong interest in understanding the physical mechanisms that govern material failure.
- Enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment and enthusiastic about collaborating with colleagues who combine experiments, modeling, and theory.
Benefits
- Join a newly established fracture mechanics imaging and characterization lab, a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
- Laboratory equipped with 3D-printing facilities, mechanical testing systems, and advanced imaging equipment for preparation, mechanical testing, and quantitative imaging characterization of soft materials.
- ETH Zurich provides an outstanding scientific environment and access to additional facilities for optical and high-speed imaging, material preparation, and scientific computing.
- Substantial freedom to develop independent research directions while collaborating closely with experimental, theoretical, and computational researchers.
- ETH Zurich supports professional development and actively contributes to positive change in society.
- Commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
- Benefits include public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.
- Inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a respectful working and learning environment.
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Über uns
Das Team
The team at the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) is highly interdisciplinary and international, bringing together researchers with backgrounds in materials science, mechanics, and applied physics, and values curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.