Doctoral Position in Contact Mechanics of Architected Interfaces

Investigate how local contact interactions shape macroscopic interface responses in architected materials.

Best for:Best for graduate engineers and physicists with a strong background in solid mechanics and computational modeling.

ETH Zurich · Zurich, Switzerland · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at ETH Zurich

contact mechanicsarchitected materialscomputational modelingmultiscale mechanicslattice materialsinterface response

Deadline

Until filled

rolling

Funding

—

fixed-term

Start date

flexible

Full-time

Location

Zurich

Switzerland

Overview

The Professorship of Solid Mechanics at ETH Zurich offers a doctoral position focused on the contact mechanics of architected interfaces. The selected candidate will combine physics-based numerical modeling, theoretical analysis, and multiscale mechanics to connect cell-level contact behavior with effective macroscopic properties. Working in an interdisciplinary and international research team, the student will develop predictive tools and numerical models for failure mechanics and material resilience. Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree and demonstrate a strong foundation in mechanics, computational modeling, and scientific programming.

solid mechanicscontact mechanicsarchitected materialscomputational modelingmultiscale mechanicsfinite element modelingPythonhomogenization

What you'll do

Conduct computational and theoretical investigations into how local contact interactions determine macroscopic interface responses in architected materials
Connect cell-scale mechanics with multiscale and rough-surface contact mechanics to derive effective interface descriptions
Develop and utilize numerical models of lattice materials to examine underlying contact behavior principles
Analyze how architectural features, material properties, and length scales impact contact area, pressure distribution, and stiffness
Derive statistical or homogenized descriptions linking individual cell mechanics to large-scale interface behavior

Requirements

Degree required: MSc in mechanics, physics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, bioengineering, material science, computational science, or a related discipline

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; fluent oral and written proficiency required

Instruction: English

Required skills

Background in solid mechanics, applied physics, computational mechanics, or scientific computing
Experience in implementing scientific code and validating computational results against reference data
Prior programming experience in Python and version control use
Strong oral and written communication skills in English
Ability to work collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary team

Nice to have

Experience with architected materialsFamiliarity with rough-surface contact mechanicsKnowledge of homogenization and statistical mechanicsFamiliarity with multiscale methods

Funding & terms

Type

Unknown

Amount

—

Duration

fixed-term

Programme

ETH Zurich

How to apply

Prepare all required application documents including your CV, academic transcripts, a brief research statement, and contact details for two references. Submit your complete application exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal by the specified link. Applications sent via email or postal services will not be considered.

Documents required