Doctoral Position in contact mechanics of architected interfaces

The Doctoral Position in contact mechanics of architected interfaces is offered by the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) within the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich. The group investigates how materials deform, deteriorate and ultimately fail, aiming to turn fundamental insights into more reliable structures by linking microscopic processes to macroscopic behaviour through modelling, experiments and theory. The PhD candidate will spend most of the time performing computational and theoretical studies on how local contact events in engineered lattice‑type materials determine the overall response of their interfaces. Tasks include building and running numerical simulations of lattice structures, examining how geometry, material properties and size scales affect contact area, pressure fields, stiffness and load transfer, and deriving statistical or homogenised descriptions that bridge cell‑scale mechanics to large‑scale interface performance. The work is carried out in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary, international team. Applicants must hold a master's degree in a discipline such as mechanics, physics, civil, mechanical, aerospace or bio‑engineering, material science or computational science. A solid background in mechanics, applied physics or scientific computing is required, with particular relevance for solid, contact or multiscale mechanics. Experience in writing and validating scientific code, as well as proficiency in Python and version‑control systems, is essential. Candidates need to communicate fluently in English, both spoken and written, and be comfortable working cooperatively in a team environment. Additional assets include prior exposure to architected or topologically interlocked materials, rough‑surface contact studies, homogenisation techniques, statistical‑mechanics approaches or multiscale methods, although these can be acquired during the doctorate. The position is based in Zurich on a full‑time, fixed‑term contract and offers a vibrant, supportive research setting. ETH Zurich provides public‑transport tickets, car‑sharing options, extensive sports facilities, childcare services and attractive pension benefits, while promoting diversity, inclusion and a climate‑neutral campus. What the role asks for: - MSc in mechanics, physics, engineering, material science or related field - Background in mechanics, applied physics or scientific computing - Experience developing and validating scientific code - Proficiency in Python programming and version control - Fluent English oral and written communication - Experience with architected materials (nice-to-have) - Knowledge of rough‑surface contact mechanics (nice-to-have) - Familiarity with homogenisation or multiscale methods (nice-to-have)