Postdoctoral Researcher: Experimental Fracture Mechanics of Soft Materials 100%, Zurich, fixed-term 23.09.2026 | Institute for Building Materials (IfB)

This postdoctoral researcher position focuses on experimental fracture mechanics of soft and architected materials. Key responsibilities include developing quantitative experiments using advanced imaging and measurement techniques to characterize fracture behavior, and contributing to the supervision of junior researchers. A doctoral degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field and hands-on experimental experience are required.

• 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.
• 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.
• The position provides a stimulating environment for scientific growth and collaboration
• The successful candidate will develop quantitative experiments and imaging-based methods to characterize complex fracture behavior.
• You will lead experimental research on the fracture mechanics of advanced materials, including architected materials and soft materials, using advanced imaging techniques, such as confocal imaging and high-speed imaging, to investigate complex fracture behavior near the crack tip
• You will use image-based measurement techniques, such as digital image correlation (DIC), particle tracking, and other quantitative methods, to quantify displacement and strain fields, crack-tip deformation, fracture energy, and rate-dependent behavior
• You will develop optical measurement methods to characterize interfacial contact, deformation, and friction in soft materials and architected materials
• You have the ability to independently develop and validate experimental methods, collaborate across disciplines, mentor students, and communicate effectively in English
• You will join our newly established fracture mechanics imaging and characterization lab, a dynamic, international, and supportive research group that values curiosity, creativity, and collaboration
• ETH Zurich provides an outstanding scientific environment and access to additional facilities for optical and high-speed imaging, material preparation, and scientific computing
• The position offers substantial freedom to develop independent research directions while collaborating closely with experimental, theoretical, and computational researchers

• In addition to carrying out independent research, the Postdoctoral Researcher will actively contribute to the supervision of junior researchers (e.g., PhD students and Master's students) within SMEC
• You have a doctoral degree in mechanics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, materials science, physics, or a related field