Doctoral Position in Contact Mechanics of Architected Interfaces
Investigate the contact mechanics of architected interfaces using numerical modeling and theoretical analysis at ETH Zurich.
Best for:Best for graduate students with a strong background in solid mechanics, computational modeling, and Python programming.
Overview
The Professorship of Solid Mechanics at ETH Zurich invites applications for a fully funded doctoral position focused on the contact mechanics of architected interfaces. The selected candidate will combine physics-based numerical modeling, theoretical reasoning, and rough-surface mechanics to understand how local contact interactions shape macroscopic interface responses. The successful applicant will develop lattice models, analyze pressure distributions and interface stiffness, and work within an interdisciplinary and international research team. Candidates should hold a Master of Science degree in mechanics, physics, engineering, or a related discipline, alongside programming experience in Python.
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 descriptions of interfaces.
- Develop and utilize numerical models of lattice materials to study underlying contact principles.
- Analyze how architectural features and material properties influence contact area, pressure distribution, interface stiffness, and load transmission.
- Establish statistical or homogenized descriptions linking individual cell mechanics to large-scale interface behavior.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc degree in mechanics, physics, civil/mechanical/aerospace/bio-engineering, material science, computational science, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; oral and written fluency required
Instruction: English
- Background in mechanics, applied physics, computational mechanics, scientific computing, or a related field
- Experience in implementing scientific code and validating computational results against reference data
- Programming experience in Python and version control use
- Strong motivation and capacity for quantitative reasoning to solve physics and mechanics questions
Funding & terms
How to apply
Applicants must submit their application exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Submissions via email or postal services will not be reviewed. Ensure all required documentation including CV, transcripts, research idea statement, and references are uploaded.
- CV
- Academic transcript
- Statement describing a project idea relevant to the job description
- Names and contact details of two references
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.