PhD Positions in Structural Mechanics, Data-Driven Modelling, and Advanced Materials at ETH Zurich ETH Zurich in Switzerland

The Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring at ETH Zurich is recruiting four Doctoral Researchers as part of three new Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks: COMBINE, DIAMOND, and Met2Adapt. These fully funded PhD positions offer the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in structural mechanics, data-driven modelling, advanced materials, and structural health monitoring. The research themes span fluid–structure interaction, real-time monitoring and control in wind energy systems, decentralized condition assessment and predictive maintenance for infrastructure assets, and the development of meta-structures with autonomous sensing capacities for renewable energy applications.

Projects include:

• COMBINE DN: Focused on data-informed reduced order modelling for wind energy, developing adaptive frameworks for fluid–structure interaction and real-time monitoring/control.
• DIAMOND DN: Involves graph-based and stochastic models for decentralized condition assessment and predictive maintenance across fleets of infrastructure assets, with integration of real-time decision support.
• Met2Adapt DN: Centers on advanced meta-structures, including autonomous sensing and active damage detection/localization on wind turbine blades, bridging sensing, metamaterials, resilience, and renewable energy.

All positions are hosted and matriculated at ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, and offer interdisciplinary research and international collaboration within the MSCA networks. The primary academic advisor is Prof. Eleni Chatzi, with co-supervision from Dr. Andrea Colombi, Dr. Vasileios Ntertimanis, and Dr. Michele Magno. The projects provide opportunities for secondments at partner universities and industry across Europe.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a relevant MSc degree (civil, mechanical, electrical engineering, geosciences, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related fields), have strong analytical and quantitative skills, and be at the beginning of their research career. English proficiency is required. Mobility rules apply: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the last 3 years and must not have been awarded a PhD.

Funding: Positions are fully funded for 36 months, including a competitive salary, mobility allowance, and coverage for research and training activities. The program supports international collaboration and skill development through secondments and network-wide training events.

Application: Applications must be submitted via the ETH Zurich online portal. Required documents include a motivation letter, CV, academic diplomas and certificates, and contact details for two referees. Clearly indicate the position you are applying for (e.g., DIAMOND A-DC1 or M2A ESR15). Applications via email or post are not accepted. The review of applications begins January 15, 2026 (DIAMOND) and February 1, 2026 (Met2Adapt), with the intent to conclude by April 30, 2026.

For further information, visit the Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring at ETH Zurich or contact Prof. Eleni Chatzi ([email protected]) or Dr. Vasileios Ntertimanis ([email protected]) for project-specific queries.