David Kammer

This PhD position at ETH Zürich focuses on modeling friction in colloidal suspensions within the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) at the Institute for Building Materials. The group investigates how materials deform, degrade, and fail, aiming to translate fundamental understanding into more reliable and resilient materials and structures. Research combines numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analyses to link microscopic processes with macroscopic behavior in both engineering and natural systems. The interdisciplinary team works on topics such as particle systems (colloidal and granular), architected materials, fragility in collagen, earthquake mechanics, fracture of soft materials, and multiphysical failure processes like corrosion-driven degradation of concrete. The advertised PhD project centers on the mechanics of colloidal systems, specifically the roles of sliding and rolling friction in the rheological properties of concentrated suspensions. The candidate will conduct computational and theoretical investigations, applying physics-based models that connect single-particle geometry to the macroscopic response of suspensions. Responsibilities include implementing coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, rigorous verification and validation using experimental datasets, and close collaboration with experimental researchers to interpret observations and provide modeling insights. Applicants should have an MSc in mechanics, physics, engineering (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-), material science, or a related discipline, with a background in computational sciences focused on solid mechanics or applied physics. Experience in scientific programming (Python), code validation, and version control is required. Fluency in English, teamwork, and proactive communication are essential. The position offers a dynamic, international, and supportive research environment, with opportunities for professional development and societal impact. ETH Zürich is committed to diversity, sustainability, and a climate-neutral future, providing benefits such as public transport tickets, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension plans. The start date is flexible, and applications are accepted exclusively through the ETH online portal. Required documents include a CV, academic transcript, a brief project statement, and contact details for two references. For questions about the position, 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 offers a vibrant, international academic community in the heart of Europe.

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.