PhD Candidate in Numerical and Experimental Studies of Non-Spherical and Deformable Granular Systems

PhD Position in Numerical and Experimental Studies of Non-Spherical and Deformable Granular Systems

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities, renowned for its excellence in education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and its efforts to translate new knowledge and innovations into practical applications. The Laboratory of Energy Science and Engineering (D-MAVT) is actively engaged in developing numerical and experimental tools to probe single- and multiphase granular (particulate) systems.

Project Background

Granular systems are ubiquitous in nature (e.g., rock avalanches or dunes) and are fundamentally important to various industries. Despite their widespread occurrence, many significant phenomena, such as segregation, surface instabilities, or jamming—the transition between fluid- and solid-like states—remain poorly understood. This project specifically explores the effects of particle deformability and non-sphericity on the dynamics and rheology of granular systems. Flexible particles deform under stress, and this deformation affects contact forces and stress transmission, leading to complex rheological phenomena such as transient jamming or stress-induced orientational ordering. Although systems of deformable, aspherical particles are expected to be rich in physical phenomena, they have been largely overlooked due to the challenges associated with experimental measurements and numerical descriptions.

This PhD position is part of a collaborative project that combines the expertise of two research groups: the Laboratory of Energy Science and Engineering (Prof. Müller) and the Institute for Biomedical Imaging Magnetic Resonance Technology (Prof. Prüssmann). The PhD students recruited by both groups are expected to collaborate on a daily basis.

Job Description

The primary objective of the PhD student hired by the Laboratory of Energy Science and Engineering is to:

• Advance numerical tools to model non-spherical and deformable granular systems.
• Establish camera-based experimental techniques such as photo-elasticimetry to determine contact forces and stress fields in these systems.
• Develop and utilize machine-learning based models to correlate particle deformation and contact forces in 3D systems.

Profile

• Applicants for this PhD position are expected to hold a strong MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in numerical modeling or imaging techniques is desirable.
• We seek highly motivated, committed, and creative individuals who can work effectively in a team and possess excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written.
• Working in this top-level research environment will provide the candidate with a unique opportunity to develop their research abilities.
• The position is available from July 2026 onwards.

Workplace

Your workplace will be at ETH Zurich in a vibrant and innovative research environment.

We Offer

• An exciting working environment.
• Opportunities to learn cutting-edge techniques.
• Paths for career development.
• A diverse and interdisciplinary team.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunity, value diversity, and strive to create 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 learn how we foster a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is also core to our mission—we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

If you are interested, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a hub that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet connected globally, we collaborate to develop solutions for the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.