PhD Position in Piezoelectric mechanical metamaterials for vibration energy harvesting at ETH, Zurich

Closing Date
31 October 2020

We seek a highly motivated PhD candidate at ETH Zurich to work within a newly funded ETH grant on “Metamaterial enabled vibration energy harvesting”.

Project background

The project, of a 4-year duration, aims at developing innovative type of mechanical structures to enhance the transmission of elastic waves into piezoelectric elements using design principles inspired by the metamaterials science (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metamaterial).

Job description

The research methodology encompasses analytical tools, numerical simulations and laboratory experiments. We expect the candidate to play an active role in a number of experiments combining ultrasonic and electromechanics as well as additive manufacturing.

The project will be supervised by Dr. Andrea Colombi and Prof. Eleni Chatzi at the Institute of Structural Engineering. Part of the research activity will take place off campus at EMPA (www.empa.ch) with the co-supervision of Drs. Andrea Bergamini and Bart Van Damme. The position is offered for 4 years and the starting date should be between November 2020 and February 2021.

Your profile

Applicants must hold a M.Sc.Diploma or equivalent in engineering, physics or related field. Central to this project are strong analytical skills, a keen interest in wave phenomena, lab-work and data analysis. Previous experience with numerical modelling, metamaterials and mechatronics will be particularly appreciated.

A solid knowledge of English as the spoken and written language of work is mandatory. We expect good interpersonal skills, the ability to thrive in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment as much as the willingness to spend time with project collaborators, and to present at international conferences.

Apply via this link.

Posted on 18th August 2020 in Job Opportunities in Acoustics