Postdoctoral Researcher in Modeling Damage Mechanics in Cavitation of Soft Materials / Postdoctoral Researcheress in Modeling Damage Mechanics in Cavitation of Soft Materials

Postdoctoral Researcher in Modeling Damage Mechanics in Cavitation of Soft Materials

Location: 100%, Zurich, fixed-term

At the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) within the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich, we strive to unravel the complexities of how materials deform, degrade, and ultimately fail. Our research is fueled by a profound curiosity about the physical mechanisms behind material failure and a drive to translate this understanding into the development of more reliable and resilient materials and structures. By integrating numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analyses, we aim to connect microscopic processes with the macroscopic behavior of both engineering and natural systems while creating predictive tools for mechanical failure.

Our team is interdisciplinary and international, gathering researchers from materials science, mechanics, and applied physics. We explore diverse topics, including:

• The mechanics of particle systems (colloidal and granular)
• Architected and topologically interlocked materials
• The fragility mechanics of collagen
• Earthquake mechanics
• Fracture of soft materials
• Modeling failure in multiphysical processes such as corrosion-driven degradation of concrete

The common thread among our efforts is a shared curiosity about the reasons behind complex material failures and a commitment to pioneering new concepts, experiments, and models that deepen our understanding of failure mechanics.

Project Background

To further our investigation into the failure of soft materials, we are seeking a motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher with a robust background in computational solid mechanics and fracture/damage modeling. The chosen candidate will enhance our modeling capabilities and drive independent research that complements and extends our studies on the mechanisms governing material failure.

Job Description

• You will lead the computational and theoretical investigation of damage evolution associated with cavitation in soft materials under high-rate loading.
• Your work will focus on developing physics-based models that bridge behavior across scales, from the polymeric network and mesoscale structure to the macroscopic continuum, supported by consistent coarse-graining and homogenization strategies.
• Your responsibilities will include formulating constitutive and damage laws to capture cavitation-driven processes, implementing and verifying robust large deformation solvers, and performing rigorous validation using datasets provided by collaborators in Prof. Christian Franck’s group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• The position offers a stimulating environment conducive to scientific growth and collaboration.

Profile

• You hold a doctoral degree in mechanical, civil, aerospace, biomedical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related field.
• You possess a strong background in computational solid mechanics and nonlinear continuum mechanics, including fracture and damage modeling under large deformations.
• You are proficient in implementing and verifying numerical solvers, analyzing stability and convergence, and performing verification against experimental data.
• Proficiency in Python, along with good software engineering practices such as version control and testing, is expected.
• Experience with high-rate dynamics, cavitation, viscoelastic or poroelastic behavior, or uncertainty quantification is an advantage.
• You are inquisitive, self-motivated, and enjoy close collaboration with experimentalists, including partners at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Strong communication skills in English, the ability to mentor students, and a commitment to open and reproducible research are essential.

Workplace

You will join a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, rigor, and collaboration. ETH Zurich provides an outstanding scientific environment with access to high-performance computing. This role includes close collaboration with Prof. Christian Franck's group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, featuring regular joint meetings and the potential for short research visits. ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer, offering excellent working conditions, cultural diversity, and attractive benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In accordance with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage equality of opportunity, respect diversity, and foster a working environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are honored. For more information on how we maintain a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value for us; we consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to your application. Apply online using the form below. Please ensure that your submission includes the following documents:

• A CV
• A list of publications
• A brief statement outlining your research interests and how they align with this position
• The names and contact details of two references

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The position is available with a flexible start date, ideally as soon as possible, and can accommodate a workload of 80-100%.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education and cutting-edge research, we foster a direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that encourages independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we build connections worldwide to develop solutions for global challenges of today and tomorrow.