Doctoral Students in Structural Engineering in Switzerland | ETH Zürich

The Chair of Structural Design and Existing Structures at the Institute of Structural Engineering (IBK) pursues research projects in non-destructive testing and monitoring methods, repetitive and impact loading of concrete structures, robustness of structures and innovative materials. In teaching, we cover Conceptual Design, Bridge Design, Existing Structures, Plates and Shells as well as Project Works on all levels of undergraduate and graduate education. We are looking for

Doctoral Students in Structural Engineering

The completion of some research projects in the course of 2016 gives the opportunity to employ new doctoral students in the following fields: (1) Acoustic emission analysis: The method is applied in laboratory environment on a regular basis. Further challenges are to take into account the wave propagation in cracked, inhomogeneous materials like reinforced concrete and to drive the method towards more laboratory and field applications. (2) Magnetic flux leakage method: The method has proven to be a promising tool in detecting breaks of reinforcing bars non-destructively. To reach practical applicability, further automation of measurements and data interpretation is needed. (3) Robustness of structures: Although robustness is commonly agreed to be a basic requirement for all structures, only some general rules of thumbs exist how to achieve this goal. Our research concentrates on the vulnerability of structures and related concepts. (4) Structural glass: Laminated glass has reached a reliability that is comparable to other building materials. Splicing panes in the longitudinal direction allows producing girders that exceed the size of ordinary production. Open questions are lateral buckling during assembly and long-term behaviour of joints. (5) Other fields: Ideas for projects in fields related with those mentioned above, based on actual or future needs and justified by equipment and competence of the chair are also welcome.

Applicants should have a Diploma or Master degree in Structural or Civil Engineering from ETH Zurich or from an established university, which is considered to be equivalent in terms of content, scope and importance. Since teaching is predominantly in German, the willingness to learn German is a precondition. We offer an interesting, diversified and challenging position in a renowned institute with a long tradition of strong basic and applied research and manifold national and international contacts. The envisaged level of employment of 100% includes a share of teaching load and allows for a salary that enables an adequate living in Zurich. The intensive occupation with a jointly formulated research question should lead to a doctoral thesis.