PhD position: Multi-scale Modelling and Experimental Assessment of Volumetrically Prestressed Concrete

About this position

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

Smart and Sustainable Resilient Performance-based Cementitious Composites for Adaptive Strengthening and Repair System (SURPASS) is an EU Horizon Research and Innovation project (2027-2031) which aims to develop adaptive strengthening and repair strategies for ageing infrastructure in aggressive environments. The project endeavours to develop intervention procedures that can help reduce maintenance costs and increase circularity over the life cycle of a structure. The SURPASS solutions combine eco-efficient UHPFRC containing CO2-negative SCMs, bio-based self-healing, hybrid fiber architecture, Fe-SMA-based self-prestressing, and integrated structural health monitoring into one coherent system for thin, durable structural interventions.

It can be deployed through conventional casting for standard applications and through 3D printing for complex or non-planar geometries. In parallel, circular end-of-life strategies will recover fibres, upcycle fines into new low-carbon constituents, and enable structural reuse. The project comprises 11 partners across the globe, including partners from Europe, Canada and Japan

PhD position: Multi-scale Modelling and Experimental Assessment of Volumetrically Prestressed Concrete

Your tasks

The tasks of the PhD at ETHZ and Empa within the framework of SURPASS are as follows:

• Volumetric prestressing of cast and 3D-printable SURPASS overlays using Fe-SMA fibres.
• Meso-scale finite element modelling of volumetric prestressing mechanisms with Fe-SMA fibres, including activation, recovery stress, prestress transfer, and reactivation.
• Structural-scale simulation of SURPASS overlays in strengthened members, including parametric finite element analyses for surrogate-model development and digital-twin support.
• Large-scale experimental assessment of volumetrically prestressed SURPASS overlays for non-planar structures, including representative applications such as tunnel linings, arch intrados, and curved bridge soffits.

Your profile

The candidate should have a Master's degree in Structural Engineering (or related engineering) with a strong back-ground in nonlinear finite element modeling, structural mechanics, and concrete structures. Experience or interest in 3D concrete printing is also important. Additional skills, including experience in small and large-scale experimental investigations and knowledge of shape memory alloys, would be an advantage.

A strong desire and motivation to find cutting-edge and innovative solutions in the field of structural engineering are essential. Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written) is mandatory. Knowledge of German would be an advantage.

Our offer

We offer a multifaceted, challenging, and fully funded Ph.D. position for 48 months in a modern research environment with excellent infrastructure supported by regular supervision. The thesis director of the PhD student will be Prof. Dr. Eleni Chatzi, who heads the Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring at ETH Zurich. The candidate will be based at Empa Dübendorf, where the day-to-day research will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Moslem Shahverdi and Dr. Saim Raza.

The position is available as soon as possible but should be filled by no later than 1 March 2027.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

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.