PhD position: Shape memory alloy (SMA) Z-pin fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites
Empa, Materials Science and Technology
Dübendorf
Key information
- Publication date:27 November 2025
- Workload:100%
- Contract type:Unlimited employment
- Place of work:Dübendorf
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.
PhD position: Shape memory alloy (SMA) Z-pin fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites
We offer an opportunity to join an exciting project at our Structural Engineering Laboratory , within the Advanced Structural Materials and Systems (ASMS) research group, in collaboration with ETH Zurich. The four-year project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), explores an innovative application of shape memory alloys: Interlaminar reinforcement of laminated FRPs using prestressed Z-pins. Your research will contribute to the fundamental understanding and quantitative assessment of whether, and to what extent, SMA Z-pins are an efficient solution for through-thickness reinforcement of FRPs.
Your tasks
You will work in collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher/scientist mainly on:
- Design and manufacturing of SMA Z-pinned FRPs
- SMA activation and micromechanical modeling
- Progressive damage modeling of reinforced FRPs
- Mechanical characterization and fracture experiments
- Complete a PhD thesis at ETHZ
Your profile
- Highly motivated and talented candidate with a Master’s degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline
- Solid background in mechanics of materials and finite element analysis
- Sound knowledge of fracture mechanics and/or SMA reinforcements
- Practical experience with FRP manufacturing and mechanical experiments
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of German is an asset
Our offer
- Fully funded four-year PhD position at Empa in Dübendorf, starting by mutual agreement, no later than August 2026
- Joint supervision by Empa and ETH Zurich
- Challenging and varied responsibilities in a dynamic, nationally and internationally oriented research environment
- Access to state-of-the-art experimental and computational infrastructure
- Attractive employment conditions at Empa, including a collegial working atmosphere, and competitive salary and social benefits
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.
