Job Description

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 in the field of nonlinear vibrational metamaterials

The Laboratory for Acoustics/Noise Control is an international team of scientists and engineers active in the fields of vibroacoustics, environmental acoustics, and psychoacoustics. The diverse research topics rely on extensive numerical models and a broad range of experimental equipment for noise and vibration measurements.

Mechanical waves and vibrations are traditionally controlled using linear devices with fixed properties. In this PhD project, the student will explore a new generation of nonlinear resonators whose dynamic behaviour changes with vibration amplitude, enabling functionalities that are not achievable with conventional designs. The research will combine mechanical modelling, finite-element simulations, prototype development, and experimental testing. The goal is to develop efficient models and design rules for nonlinear metamaterials capable of adaptive vibration isolation, frequency conversion, and non-reciprocal wave propagation. The successful candidate will work within a collaborative Swiss-French project involving Empa, ETH Zurich, and LAUM.

Your tasks

As doctoral candidate within this project you will work on highly nonlinear building blocks for vibrational metamaterials. Specific tasks to achieve the challenging results include

• Develop analytical and numerical models for strongly nonlinear resonators exhibiting nonlinear stiffness, damping, and inertia effects.
• Design, simulate, and optimize novel resonator concepts based on inertia amplification, bilinear stiffness, and multi-degree-of-freedom dynamics.
• Manufacture and experimentally characterize resonator prototypes using vibration testing, laser vibrometry, and modal analysis techniques.
• Investigate nonlinear phenomena such as internal resonances, frequency conversion, bifurcations, and nonlinear energy transfer.
• Create reduced-order models and efficient simulation tools for the design of nonlinear metamaterials and wave-control devices.
• Disseminate research results through publications in leading journals, presentations at international conferences, and collaboration with project partners at ETH Zurich and the Université du Mans.

Your profile

If you recognize yourself in the story below, then you have the profile that fits the project and the research group:

• I have a master degree in engineering, physics or mathematics, obtained no longer than four years ago and performed above average in comparison to my peers.
• I am proficient in written and spoken English.
• During my courses or prior professional activities, I have gathered some experience with at least one of the following: structural and/or nonlinear dynamics, numerical modelling techniques (finite element method), or experimental methods in acoustics. I have a profound interest for these topics.
• As a researcher I perform research in a structured and scientifically sound manner. I read technical papers, understand the nuances between different theories and implement and improve methodologies myself.
• In frequent reporting, varying between weekly to monthly, I show the results that I have obtained and I give a well-founded interpretation of those results. I iterate on my work and my approach based on the feedback of my supervisors which steer the direction of my research.
• It's important for me to work as an active team member and I am eager to share my results to inspire and being inspired by my colleagues.
• During my PhD I want to grow towards more independence, e.g. representing the research group on project meetings and conferences. I see these events as an occasion to disseminate my work to an audience of international experts and research colleagues, and to learn about the larger context of my research and the research project.

Our offer

We offer a fully funded 4-year PhD position at Empa. The candidate will also be enrolled as a PhD student at the ETH Zürich, co-supervised by Dr. Paolo Tiso. The core of the PhD project will be conducted at Empa with at least one research secondment in Le Mans and intense collaboration with the Chair in Nonlinear Dynamics at ETHZ. Besides ample occasions to develop yourself in a scientific and/or industrial direction offered by the research group, further doctoral training for PhD candidates is provided in the framework of the Doctoral School.

Starting date is February 2027 or upon mutual agreement.

You stay in a vibrant environment centrally in Europe. Empa has its main campus in Dübendorf, located close to Zürich and 20 minutes by tram from Zurich International Airport. Zurich is one of the cities with the highest quality of life worldwide, welcoming to non-German speaking people and with ample opportunities for social, cultural, and outdoor activities.

We foster a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities. Our commitment is documented in our Diversity Action Plan and refers to specific goals, which are implemented and further developed on a regular basis.

You don't meet every single requirement? We are aware that particularly women and individuals from minority backgrounds often hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. However, we also value motivation, commitment and a willingness to learn. If you see yourself in this role, we would love to receive your qualified application, even if you don't meet 100% of the requirements.

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.