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PhD position: Modeling friction in colloidal suspensions
Zurich
100%
Dienstleistung
Verwaltung / Bildung / Soziales
EDGE, IT General Skills, Mechanics, Motor Mechanic, Physics, PhD position: Modeling friction in colloidal suspensions PhD position: Modeling friction in colloidal suspensions Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zürich,…
Jobdetails
EDGE, IT General Skills, Mechanics, Motor Mechanic, Physics,
PhD position: Modeling friction in colloidal suspensions
PhD position: Modeling friction in colloidal suspensions
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zürich, ETHZ
Workplace
Zurich - Zurich region - Switzerland
Category
Environment | Materials Science
Position
Junior Researcher / PhD Position
Published
9 January 2026
PhD position: Modeling friction in colloidal suspensions
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
At the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) in the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich, we aim to understand how materials deform, degrade, break, and ultimately fail. Our research is driven by curiosity about the physical mechanisms that underlie failure and by the ambition to translate this understanding into more reliable and resilient materials and structures. By combining numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analyses, we seek to link microscopic processes with the macroscopic behavior of both engineering and natural systems and develop predictive tools for mechanical failure.
Our team is highly interdisciplinary and international, bringing together researchers with backgrounds in materials science, mechanics, and applied physics. We work across a broad range of topics, including the mechanics of particle systems (colloidal and granular), architected and topologically interlocked materials, the mechanics of fragility in collagen, the mechanics of earthquakes, fracture of soft materials, and modeling failure in multiphysical processes such as corrosion-driven degradation of concrete. What unites these efforts is a shared curiosity about why complex materials fail and a commitment to developing new concepts, experiments, and models that advance our understanding of failure mechanics.
We are seeking a motivated, innovative PhD candidate with a background in computational mechanics to work on a project focused on the mechanics of colloidal systems. The PhD candidate will conduct research in a collaborative project with partners from the ETH Department of Materials to uncover the roles of sliding and rolling friction, and their combination, in the rheological properties of colloidal suspensions.
Job description
You will conduct a computational and theoretical investigation of the influence of inter-particle friction on the rheology of concentrated suspensions
The work will focus on applying physics-based models that connect behavior across scales, from the geometry of single colloidal particles to the macroscopic response of the suspension
Your responsibilities include implementing coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and performing rigorous verification and validation using datasets provided by our collaborators
The candidate will work in close collaboration with experimental researchers within the project, providing modeling insights and helping to interpret experimental observations
The position provides a stimulating environment for scientific growth and collaboration
Profile
You hold an MSc degree in mechanics, physics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, material science, or a related discipline
You have a background in computational sciences with a focus on solid mechanics, applied physics, or a related field
You have experience implementing scientific code, validating it, and verifying it against experimental data
You have prior programming experience in and have used version control
You are curious, self-motivated, and enjoy collaborating closely with experimentalists
You are fluent in English (oral and written).
You enjoy working in a team, possess the necessary social skills and communication abilities, and contribute proactively to a positive group atmosphere
Workplace
We offer
You will join a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, rigor, and collaboration.
Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university .
You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits .
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .
Curious? So are we.
The position is available with a flexible start date, possibly as soon as possible.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
CV
an academic transcript/list of courses completed
a brief statement describing your project idea relevant to the job description, making a connection to your experience and the related work from the literature
the names and contact details of two references
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about the professorship can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Kammer by email ('@')@ (no applications).
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
Apply online now
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
More information
In your application, please refer to and referenceJobID69401. jide01e899sy jit0415sy jiy26sy
PhD position: Modeling friction in colloidal suspensions
PhD position: Modeling friction in colloidal suspensions
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zürich, ETHZ
Workplace
Zurich - Zurich region - Switzerland
Category
Environment | Materials Science
Position
Junior Researcher / PhD Position
Published
9 January 2026
PhD position: Modeling friction in colloidal suspensions
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
At the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) in the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich, we aim to understand how materials deform, degrade, break, and ultimately fail. Our research is driven by curiosity about the physical mechanisms that underlie failure and by the ambition to translate this understanding into more reliable and resilient materials and structures. By combining numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and theoretical analyses, we seek to link microscopic processes with the macroscopic behavior of both engineering and natural systems and develop predictive tools for mechanical failure.
Our team is highly interdisciplinary and international, bringing together researchers with backgrounds in materials science, mechanics, and applied physics. We work across a broad range of topics, including the mechanics of particle systems (colloidal and granular), architected and topologically interlocked materials, the mechanics of fragility in collagen, the mechanics of earthquakes, fracture of soft materials, and modeling failure in multiphysical processes such as corrosion-driven degradation of concrete. What unites these efforts is a shared curiosity about why complex materials fail and a commitment to developing new concepts, experiments, and models that advance our understanding of failure mechanics.
We are seeking a motivated, innovative PhD candidate with a background in computational mechanics to work on a project focused on the mechanics of colloidal systems. The PhD candidate will conduct research in a collaborative project with partners from the ETH Department of Materials to uncover the roles of sliding and rolling friction, and their combination, in the rheological properties of colloidal suspensions.
Job description
You will conduct a computational and theoretical investigation of the influence of inter-particle friction on the rheology of concentrated suspensions
The work will focus on applying physics-based models that connect behavior across scales, from the geometry of single colloidal particles to the macroscopic response of the suspension
Your responsibilities include implementing coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and performing rigorous verification and validation using datasets provided by our collaborators
The candidate will work in close collaboration with experimental researchers within the project, providing modeling insights and helping to interpret experimental observations
The position provides a stimulating environment for scientific growth and collaboration
Profile
You hold an MSc degree in mechanics, physics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, material science, or a related discipline
You have a background in computational sciences with a focus on solid mechanics, applied physics, or a related field
You have experience implementing scientific code, validating it, and verifying it against experimental data
You have prior programming experience in and have used version control
You are curious, self-motivated, and enjoy collaborating closely with experimentalists
You are fluent in English (oral and written).
You enjoy working in a team, possess the necessary social skills and communication abilities, and contribute proactively to a positive group atmosphere
Workplace
We offer
You will join a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, rigor, and collaboration.
Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university .
You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits .
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .
Curious? So are we.
The position is available with a flexible start date, possibly as soon as possible.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
CV
an academic transcript/list of courses completed
a brief statement describing your project idea relevant to the job description, making a connection to your experience and the related work from the literature
the names and contact details of two references
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about the professorship can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Kammer by email ('@')@ (no applications).
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
Apply online now
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
More information
In your application, please refer to and referenceJobID69401. jide01e899sy jit0415sy jiy26sy
