Postdoc position in Structural Dynamics and Metamaterials for Hybrid Steel–Timber Buildings 80–100 %

Dieses Stelleninserat von ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften wurde von unserem Impact-Team für dich kuratiert.

Warum ist das ein Futurejob? Du entwickelst und testest Metamaterialien, mit denen Schwingungen in Stahl-Holz-Hybridbauten gezielt reduziert werden sollen. Deine Forschung kann neue Konstruktionsprinzipien für ressourceneffizientere Gebäude ermöglichen.

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Shape the future of sustainable structures by combining advanced simulation with cutting-edge experiments and contributing directly to safer, more comfortable and resource-efficient construction.

School: Architektur, Gestaltung und Bauingenieurwesen

Starting date: 01.02.2027 or by agreement (fixed-term position: 3 years)

Your role

• Lead the design and optimisation of metamaterial resonators for target frequency ranges (1–20 Hz for human-induced vibrations and higher for machinery and ground-borne sources)
• Develop multiscale models linking resonator properties to structural response (COMSOL, Abaqus, reduced-order models; HPC codes where needed)
• Design and fabricate reduced-scale prototypes using additive manufacturing and workshop techniques
• Plan and run experimental campaigns on scaled hybrid subsystems, from laboratory scale (1:10) to larger specimens (1:3–1:2) at ETH Zurich
• Work with Empa on timber-specific aspects (material variability, connections and interfaces); compare metamaterial and conventional solutions and derive design-oriented principles
• Co-supervise the PhD student, publish results in leading journals, and contribute to project coordination and dissemination

Your profile

• PhD in civil, structural or mechanical engineering, applied physics or a related field
• Proven expertise in structural dynamics, wave propagation or mechanical metamaterials
• Strong numerical skills (finite element modelling, ideally COMSOL and/or Abaqus) and programming skills (e.g. Python or MATLAB)
• Experience with dynamic testing and vibration measurement (e.g. laser Doppler vibrometry, accelerometers)
• Knowledge of timber or steel–timber hybrid construction is an advantage
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Fluent English; German is an advantage
• Independent, collaborative and keen to bridge research and engineering practice

This is what we stand for

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland’s largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14’000 students and 3’400 faculty and staff.

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.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

Das bieten wir an

Wir bieten hochschulgerechte Arbeits- und Anstellungsbedingungen an und fördern aktiv die Personalentwicklung unserer Mitarbeitenden und Führungspersonen. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung der Vorteile ist auf der Webseite «Arbeiten an der ZHAW» zu finden. Hier die wichtigsten Eckpunkte:

• Arbeitskultur
• Work-Life-Balance
• Diversität und Inklusion
• Persönliche Entwicklung
• Ökologische, ökonomische und soziale Nachhaltigkeit an der ZHAW
• Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement
• Lohn und Vorsorge

Contact

Dr. Andrea Colombi

Senior Researcher / Project Leader, ZHAW IBP

andrea.colombi@zhaw.ch

Irina Keiser

Recruiting Manager

irina.keiser@zhaw.ch

Themen: angewandte Forschung, Baudynamik, Bauforschung, Computergestützte Simulation, Experimentelle Baustoffforschung, Mechanische Metamaterialien, Ressourceneffizientes Bauen, Schwingungsdämpfung, Stahl-Holz-Hybridbau, Tragwerksplanung