PhD Positions in Structural Health Monitoring, Metamaterials, and Decision Support at ETH Zurich ETH Zurich in Switzerland

The Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring at ETH Zurich is recruiting three PhD candidates within two new Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks: DIAMOND (Decentralized critical Infrastructure Asset Monitoring and coNDition assessment) and Met2Adapt (Advanced Meta-materials and Meta-Structures for Adaptable, Resilient and Sustainable Renewable Energy Power Plants). These positions are at the forefront of research in infrastructure monitoring, metamaterials, and resilient energy systems.

DIAMOND focuses on developing decentralized, AI-driven monitoring tools for critical infrastructure such as bridges, railways, and wind turbines. Research topics include graph-based and stochastic models for condition assessment, predictive maintenance, and decision-support frameworks integrating sensing, uncertainty quantification, and asset typologies. The project aims to create self-aware infrastructure capable of real-time condition assessment, promoting safer and more sustainable decision-making across sectors.

Met2Adapt trains researchers in sustainable metamaterials for renewable energy, targeting vibration mitigation, self-aware meta-components, and carbon-efficient meta-structures. Projects include developing meta-structures with autonomous sensing capacities and active meta-structures for damage detection and localization on wind turbine blades. The research leverages advanced simulation frameworks, machine learning, and experimental validation to enhance energy resilience and safety.

All positions are hosted at ETH Zurich, supervised by Prof. Eleni Chatzi, Dr. Michele Magno, Dr. Vasilis Dertimanis, and Dr. Andrea Colombi (ZHAW). The program offers interdisciplinary training, industry secondments, and collaboration with leading European institutions. Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree, demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills, and meet MSCA mobility rules (not have resided in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the last 3 years). English proficiency and willingness to work in a diverse, international environment are required.

Funding is provided for 36 months, including salary, mobility allowance, and tuition coverage. The application deadline is January 15, 2026, with positions starting as agreed upon recruitment. To apply, submit your documents online via the ETH Zurich portal, specifying the position of interest. For further information, visit the Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring website or contact Prof. Chatzi or Dr. Ntertimanis by email.

Keywords: structural health monitoring, metamaterials, meta-structures, AI-enabled monitoring, decision support, predictive maintenance, vibration energy harvesting, damage detection, renewable energy, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, data analysis, machine learning.