Doctoral Student in Structural Dynamics and Metamaterials for Hybrid Steel–Timber Buildings 100 %

What you will be responsible for

• Review the literature on vibrations in hybrid steel–timber structures and on conventional mitigation solutions
• Select representative hybrid subsystems (floor segments, beam–slab interfaces, joints)
• Develop numerical models in COMSOL (frequency domain) and Abaqus (time domain) to identify vibration hot spots in the 1–100 Hz range
• Benchmark conventional damping solutions (viscoelastic layers, tuned mass dampers) numerically and experimentally
• Prepare and run tests on reduced-scale specimens with laser Doppler vibrometry, shakers and the multi-axial shaking table at ETH Zurich
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences and write your doctoral thesis

What makes you a great fit

• Master's degree in civil, structural or mechanical engineering, or a related field, meeting the admission requirements of the ETH Zurich doctoral programme
• Solid background in structural dynamics and finite element modelling; experience with COMSOL and/or Abaqus is an advantage
• Interest in experimental work and hands-on laboratory testing
• Knowledge of steel or timber construction is welcome
• Programming skills (e.g. Python or MATLAB)
• Fluent English; German is an advantage
• Curious, structured and able to work in an interdisciplinary team across institutions

About your workplace

The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences is the largest university of applied sciences in German-speaking Switzerland, with around 15,000 students, more than 11,000 continuing education participants and over 3,700 employees.

We are committed to building diverse teams in order to promote equality and inclusion. We offer a flexible working environment that can be adapted to your individual circumstances.

School of Architecture, Design and Civil Engineering

The ZHAW School of Architecture, Design and Civil Engineering offers Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes and is one of the most established yet innovative educational institutions of its kind in Switzerland. In accordance with its statutory mandate, it carries out teaching, research and development, and continuing professional development, as well as providing services to third parties. We offer you an exciting, varied and challenging role in a dynamic environment. The position is based at the school's headquarters in Winterthur.

Institute of Building Technology and Process

The Institute of Building Technology and Process IBP, together with two other institutes, provides services in teaching, research, and continuing education. In research, IBP focuses on hybrid lightweight construction, digital technologies in design and fabrication, building energy systems and technologies, as well as digital construction processes and management. At the intersection of architecture and engineering, we develop practical approaches and solutions in collaboration with industry partners. We offer an exciting, varied, and challenging role in a dynamic and ever-changing environment, working alongside an interdisciplinary and highly motivated team.

Why work at the ZHAW?

Here, you will find the space to shape developments and make a difference. We value respect and promote diversity. Discover what makes working at the ZHAW so special.

Any questions? You’ll find the answers here!

Do you have any questions about the application process?

Irina Keiser
irina.keiser@zhaw.ch

Do you have any questions about the advertised vacancy?

Dr. Andrea Colombi
Senior Researcher / Project Leader, ZHAW IBP
andrea.colombi@zhaw.ch

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