PhD position in Experimental Nonlinear Mechanics available
The Emergent Complexity in Physical Systems Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne seeks to fill a PhD position and invites applications by highly motivated, curiosity-driven early career researchers to work in the field of
– nonlinear shell elasticity (experimental) –
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne EPFL is a top-ranked international bilingual English / French speaking research university located in one of the most beautiful areas of continental Europe.
Our Laboratory studies nonlinear phenomena in mechanical systems using several aspects of continuum mechanics and transport theory entwined with dynamical systems methods and pattern-formation theory. Specific research topics include
- laminar-turbulent patterns in flows transitioning to turbulence, and
- the nonlinear buckling of elastic shells.
Within the project ‘From turbulence transition to shell buckling – What load can a cylinder shell carry?’ the prospective PhD student will experimentally investigate the mechanics of elastic shells. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Rubinstein at Harvard University.
Your profile
The PhD candidate should have an excellent Master’s degree (or comparable) in experimental physics or in a related field. The ideal candidate will have a background in nonlinear dynamics, statistical physics or elasticity and:
- Have at least one full year of experience working in an experimental lab
- Have exceptional technical skills. Experience with high speed photography, optics/microscopy, mechanics and electronics is an advantage
- Be able to work independently
- Have the ability to design and build experimental setups
- Have experience with acquiring and analyzing data
- Be familiar with at least one programming language
We expect excellent communication and scientific writing skills.
Our offer
We offer excellent working conditions within a young and energetic team, access to state-of-the-art laboratory, manufacturing and computing facilities and generous travel funds. The position is fully funded with a highly competitive full time salary and social employer charges. The project will involve extended visits of the Rubinstein lab at Harvard, Boston, USA.
How to apply
To apply, please send your application (including CV, transcripts, motivation statement and – if available – GRE / TOEFL scores) along with contact information of up to three references as a single PDF file to
Letters of recommendation should be sent separately. Your motivation statement (max 3 pages) should describe your current academic and future career plans, your research interests and how you imagine these to fit into the Emergent Complexity in Physical Systems Laboratory. Please cite relevant academic, professional and personal experiences that influenced your decision to apply.
Well-motivated and highly-qualified students from all countries will be considered. We seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions have been filled.