Postdoctoral Researcher in Modeling Damage Mechanics in Cavitation of Soft Materials ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zürich invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Modeling Damage Mechanics in Cavitation of Soft Materials, based at the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) in the Institute for Building Materials. The group investigates how materials deform, degrade, and fail, with a focus on understanding the physical mechanisms underlying failure and translating this knowledge into more resilient materials and structures. Research activities span numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analyses, linking microscopic processes to macroscopic behavior in both engineering and natural systems.

The successful candidate will lead computational and theoretical investigations into damage evolution associated with cavitation in soft materials under high-rate loading. The project emphasizes developing physics-based models that connect behavior across scales, from polymeric networks and mesoscale structures to macroscopic continua, using coarse-graining and homogenization strategies. Responsibilities include formulating constitutive and damage laws for cavitation-driven processes, implementing and verifying large deformation solvers, and performing rigorous validation using experimental datasets from collaborators at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in mechanical, civil, aerospace, biomedical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related field. Required expertise includes computational solid mechanics, nonlinear continuum mechanics, and fracture/damage modeling under large deformations. Proficiency in Python and good software engineering practices are expected. Experience with high-rate dynamics, cavitation, viscoelastic or poroelastic behavior, or uncertainty quantification is a plus. The position offers a collaborative, international research environment, with opportunities for joint meetings and short research visits with Prof. Christian Franck’s group at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

ETH Zürich provides outstanding scientific resources, high-performance computing, and a family-friendly, diverse workplace. The position is available with a flexible start date and can be offered at 80–100% workload. Applications must be submitted online and should include a CV, publication list, research statement, and contact details for two references. For further information, contact Prof. David Kammer at [email protected] (no applications via email).

ETH Zürich is a world-leading university in science and technology, renowned for excellence in education and research, and committed to diversity, sustainability, and open opportunities for all staff and students.