Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Fracture Mechanics of Soft Materials at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Summary

ETH Zurich’s Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) within the Institute for Building Materials seeks a postdoctoral researcher to develop experimental methods for studying fracture in soft and architected advanced materials. The role involves leading experimental research, using high‑speed and confocal imaging, digital image correlation, particle tracking, and developing optical techniques to quantify crack‑tip behavior. The candidate will collaborate with experimental, theoretical, and computational teams, supervise PhD and Master’s students, and support open, reproducible research. The position is a temporary full‑time contract with a flexible start date, based in Zurich, Switzerland. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess hands‑on experience with mechanical testing and quantitative optical measurements. Applications are submitted online and must include a CV, publication list, research statement, and two references.

Key Facts

Department	Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC), Institute for Building Materials
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Fracture Mechanics
Research Area	Experimental fracture mechanics of soft and advanced materials
Degree Required	PhD
Salary	Not specified
Contract Duration	Temporary, full-time
Language	English
Deadline	2026-12-22
Required Documents	CV, Publication list, Brief statement of research interests and their relevance to the position, Names and contact details of two references
Employer Contact	Professor David Kammer, [email protected]

About the Project

The project aims to create and apply advanced experimental techniques to quantify complex fracture behavior in soft and architected materials, including dynamic crack propagation. By integrating high‑resolution imaging, digital image correlation, particle tracking, and novel optical methods, the research will measure deformation, strain, fracture energy, and rate‑dependent effects near crack tips. The work will be conducted within an interdisciplinary group that combines experiments, numerical modeling, and theory, contributing to a deeper understanding of material failure mechanisms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead experimental research on fracture mechanics of advanced materials
• Use advanced imaging methods such as confocal and high‑speed imaging
• Apply quantitative techniques like digital image correlation and particle tracking
• Develop optical methods to characterize contact, deformation, and friction
• Collaborate with experimental, theoretical, and computational researchers
• Supervise PhD and Master’s students
• Support open and reproducible research

Required Skills

• Hands‑on experience with mechanical testing and instrumentation
• Ability to independently develop and validate experimental methods
• Experience with digital image correlation, particle tracking, high‑speed imaging or optical microscopy
• Strong quantitative measurement and data analysis skills
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and communicate in English
• Mentoring and supervision of graduate students

Who Should Apply

Applicants who have earned a PhD in mechanics, engineering, materials science, physics or a related discipline and have hands‑on experience with mechanical testing, experimental design, and quantitative optical measurement techniques such as DIC, high‑speed imaging, or microscopy. Candidates should be able to develop and validate experimental methods independently, collaborate across disciplines, mentor students, and communicate effectively in English.

Benefits

• Access to a fracture mechanics imaging and characterization laboratory
• 3D‑printing facilities, mechanical testing systems, and advanced imaging equipment
• Flexible start date, ideally as soon as possible

About the Employer

ETH Zurich’s Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) within the Institute for Building Materials is located in Zurich, Switzerland and focuses on solid mechanics research, offering state‑of‑the‑art facilities for experimental fracture mechanics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

22 December 2026

How many positions are available?

One

Is the position full‑time?

Yes, it is a temporary full‑time contract

What documents must be submitted?

A CV, publication list, brief statement of research interests, and names and contact details of two references

Who can be contacted for questions?

Professor David Kammer at [email protected]