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 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
- 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.
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 focus on applying physics-based models that connect behavior across scales, from the geometry of single colloidal particles to the macroscopic response of the suspension.
- Your responsibilities include implementing coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and performing rigorous verification and validation using datasets provided by our collaborators.
- The candidate will work in close collaboration with experimental researchers within the project, providing modeling insights and helping to interpret experimental observations.
- The position provides a stimulating environment for 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 verifying it against experimental data.
- You have prior programming experience in Python and have used version control.
- You are curious, self-motivated, and enjoy collaborating closely with experimentalists.
- You are fluent in English (oral and written).
- You enjoy working in a team, possess the necessary social skills and communication abilities, and contribute proactively to a positive group atmosphere.
Workplace
This position is based at ETH Zurich, a world-leading university renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct contributions to society. We value an inclusive culture that encourages diversity and nurtures a working environment in which every team member is respected.
We Offer
- Join a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, rigor, and collaboration.
- Make an impact as part of ETH Zurich, actively contributing to positive change in society.
- Access numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.
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.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a leading university specializing in science and technology, renowned for its exceptional education and research. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our institution promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we collaborate to find solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.