PhD Student Position: Dynamic Behaviour of Timber-Encased Steel Composite (TESC) Members

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the dynamic behaviour of Timber-Encased Steel Composite (TESC) members. The successful candidate will join the DynaMat Laboratory (LDM-SUPSI) within the Department of Environment Constructions and Design (DACD), located in Mendrisio, Switzerland. This research opportunity is part of a four-year project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), with joint supervision from SUPSI and ETH Zürich, and close collaboration with European research partners in material mechanics. The project aims to advance the understanding of TESC members under extreme conditions, such as high strain rates and elevated temperatures. Key research activities include dynamic characterisation of steel, adhesives, and timber, calibration and development of advanced constitutive material models, and integration of experimental and numerical investigations. The candidate will be expected to conduct experimental testing (e.g., using Split Hopkinson Bar techniques), perform data acquisition and analysis, develop numerical models (using tools such as Abaqus and Matlab), and contribute to scientific publications and presentations at international conferences. SUPSI offers a stimulating, international, and multidisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities. The PhD student will benefit from joint supervision by Dr. Daniele Forni (DynaMat SUPSI Laboratory), Dr. Valentino Vigneri (Steel and Composite Structures Group, ETH Zurich), and scientific support from Prof. Andrea Frangi (Timber Structures group, ETH Zurich). Prof. Ezio Cadoni, head of the DynaMat Laboratory, is also available for further information. The doctoral programme enrollment will be at ETH Zürich, while the main workplace will be at SUPSI in Mendrisio. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Essential qualifications include a strong interest in material behaviour under dynamic loading, experience or aptitude in experimental testing, data analysis, numerical modelling, and programming. Excellent English skills are required, and knowledge of other languages, especially Italian, is an asset. Experience with the Split Hopkinson Tensile Bar (SHTB) is also valued. The position is fully funded for four years, with a salary aligned with SNSF standards. The application deadline is December 22, 2025. Candidates should submit their application via the official online form, including a CV, academic transcript, a brief statement on their approach to the research topic, and contact details for two references. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Additional documentation may be requested at a later stage. For more information about the DynaMat SUPSI Laboratory, visit https://www.supsi.ch/en/ldm or contact Prof. Ezio Cadoni at https://www.supsi.ch/ezio-cadoni . Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Daniele Forni at [email protected] .