PhD position in Computational earthquake rupture mechanics

PhD position in Computational earthquake rupture mechanics

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 student with a background in computational mechanics to work on a project in computational earthquake rupture mechanics. The project will combine numerical method development and theoretical analysis to investigate how heterogeneous stress states and nonlinear near-fault processes influence earthquake rupture propagation, arrest, and earthquake-size statistics.

Job description

• You will conduct a computational and theoretical investigation of dynamic earthquake rupture, with a focus on rupture propagation, rupture arrest, and energy dissipation in heterogeneous fault systems
• The work will connect fracture-mechanics theory with large-scale numerical simulations of earthquake rupture
• You will develop, improve, and use high-performance simulation tools for dynamic rupture, including GPU-oriented numerical methods
• You will verify and validate the numerical methods against benchmark problems and established theoretical results
• Building on these tools, you will investigate how heterogeneous stress states and nonlinear dissipative processes, such as off-fault plasticity, influence rupture arrest and earthquake-size statistics
• The position provides a stimulating environment for scientific growth and collaboration

Profile

• You hold an MSc degree in mechanics, physics, engineering, earth science, material science, computational science, or a related discipline
• You have a background in computational mechanics, solid mechanics, applied physics, scientific computing, or a related field
• You have experience implementing scientific code and validating it against analytical solutions, numerical benchmarks, or well-documented reference results.
• You have prior programming experience in Python and have used version control. Experience with high-performance computing, GPU programming, C/C++, or numerical methods for wave propagation, fracture, or solid mechanics is an advantage
• You are curious, self-motivated, and enjoy developing numerical methods to answer mechanics questions
• You are fluent in English, both 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

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
• 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.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

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.