PhD Candidate in Colloidal Suspension Friction Modeling

PhD Position: Modeling Friction in Colloidal Suspensions

100%, Zurich, Fixed-term

At the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) in the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich, we strive to understand how materials deform, degrade, break, and ultimately fail. Our research is driven by a deep curiosity about the physical mechanisms that underlie failure and the ambition to translate this understanding into more reliable and resilient materials and structures. By utilizing a combination of numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analyses, we aim to correlate microscopic processes with the macroscopic behavior of both engineering and natural systems, ultimately developing predictive tools for mechanical failure.

Our team is highly interdisciplinary and international, uniting researchers from various backgrounds, including materials science, mechanics, and applied physics. We explore a wide array of topics, such as the mechanics of particle systems (colloidal and granular), architected and topologically interlocked materials, fragility in collagen, earthquake mechanics, fracture in soft materials, and modeling failure in multiphysical processes like corrosion-driven degradation of concrete. What binds these efforts together is a shared inquiry into the reasons behind complex material failures and a commitment to advancing our understanding of failure mechanics through innovative concepts, experiments, and models.

We are seeking a motivated and innovative PhD student with a background in computational mechanics to engage in a project focusing on the mechanics of colloidal systems. The PhD candidate will conduct research in collaboration with partners from the ETH Department of Materials to explore the roles of sliding and rolling friction and their combination in the rheological properties of colloidal suspensions.

Job Description

• You will conduct a computational and theoretical investigation of the influence of inter-particle friction on the rheology of concentrated suspensions.
• The work will emphasize physics-based models that connect behavior across scales, ranging from the geometry of individual colloidal particles to the macroscopic response of the suspension.
• Your responsibilities will include implementing coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and rigorously verifying and validating results with datasets provided by our collaborators.
• You will closely collaborate with experimental researchers within the project, providing modeling insights and assisting in interpreting experimental observations.
• The position offers a stimulating environment conducive to scientific growth and collaboration.

Profile

• You hold an MSc degree in mechanics, physics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, material science, or a related discipline.
• You have a background in computational sciences with a focus on solid mechanics, applied physics, or a related field.
• You have experience implementing scientific code, validating it, and ensuring its accuracy against experimental data.
• You possess prior programming experience in Python and have utilized version control systems.
• You are curious, self-motivated, and enjoy collaborating closely with experimentalists.
• You are fluent in English (both oral and written).
• You thrive in team settings, bringing essential social skills and communication abilities, and contribute positively to group dynamics.

Workplace

The position will be situated at ETH Zurich, a leading institution in science and technology, committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes professional development.

We Offer

• Join a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, rigor, and collaboration.
• Make an impact with your work at ETH Zurich, which actively contributes to positive changes in society.
• We are committed to sustainability and maintaining a climate-neutral university.
• Expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, access to a wide range of sports through ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension plans.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Explore our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about our commitment to fairness and support for all individuals. Sustainability remains a core value for us, as we continually work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

The position is available with a flexible start date, possibly as soon as possible.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information about the professorship, please visit our website. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Prof. David Kammer via email at dkammer@ethz.ch (applications via email will not be accepted).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education and cutting-edge research, we pride ourselves on transforming new knowledge into societal advancements. Home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and establishing connections globally, we collectively seek solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.