PhD position Shape memory alloy; SMA Z-pin fiber reinforced polymer; FRP composites

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting‑edge research Empas around 1100 employees make essential contributions to the well‑being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

We offer an opportunity to join an exciting project at our Structural Engineering Laboratory within the Advanced Structural Materials and Systems (ASMS) research group in collaboration with ETH Zurich. The four‑year project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) explores an innovative application of shape memory alloys:
Interlaminar reinforcement of laminated FRPs using prestressed Z‑pins. Your research will contribute to the fundamental understanding and quantitative assessment of whether and to what extent SMA Z‑pins are an efficient solution for through‑thickness reinforcement of FRPs.

• Design and manufacturing of SMA Z‑pinned FRPs
• SMA activation and micromechanical modeling
• Progressive damage modeling of reinforced FRPs
• Mechanical characterization and fracture experiments
• Complete a PhD thesis at ETHZ

• Highly motivated and talented candidate with a Masters degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a related discipline
• Solid background in mechanics of materials and finite element analysis
• Sound knowledge of fracture mechanics and / or SMA reinforcements
• Practical experience with FRP manufacturing and mechanical experiments
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of German is an asset

• Fully funded four‑year PhD position at Empa in Dübendorf starting by mutual agreement no later than August 2026
• Joint supervision by Empa and ETH Zurich
• Challenging and varied responsibilities in a dynamic nationally and internationally oriented research environment
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art experimental and computational infrastructure
• Attractive employment conditions at Empa including a collegial working atmosphere and competitive salary and social benefits

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

Patricia Nitzsche Stv. Leiterin Human Resources / Dep. Head Human Resources

Employment Type

:
Full‑Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1