ETH Zurich PhD Scholarship in AI-Assisted Bridge Assessment for Special Road Transports (2026)
Scholarship Description
The ETH Zurich PhD position in AI-Assisted Bridge Assessment for Special Road Transports offers a unique opportunity to combine classical structural engineering with modern artificial intelligence and computational methods. Hosted by the Chair of Structural Engineering – Concrete Structures and Bridge Design (Prof. Walter Kaufmann) at ETH Zurich, this fully funded doctoral position explores how AI and automation can complement and further develop the structural assessment of existing bridges under heavy transportation loads.
This research project is conducted in collaboration with the Computational Design Lab (Prof. B. Bickel), the ETH AI Center, and Design++, with the Swiss Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) as the industry partner. The project has direct practical relevance for Swiss infrastructure, as ASTRA processes more than 20,000 applications for special road transports annually, roughly half of which require structural assessment of bridges along the route.
Scholarship Location
The position is based at ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland. ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology, located in the heart of Europe.
Scholarship Deadline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The start date is by arrangement, but no later than October 2026.
Application Review: Rolling basis – apply early
Start Date: By arrangement (no later than October 2026)
Recommendation: Submit your application as soon as possible. Applications are reviewed continuously until the position is filled.
Host Institution
ETH Zurich – one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology. The Chair of Structural Engineering – Concrete Structures and Bridge Design (Prof. Walter Kaufmann) is a world-renowned research group at the intersection of structural engineering, computational methods, and AI. The position is also affiliated with the ETH AI Center and the Center for Augmented Computational Design in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (Design++).
Level and Fields of Study
Level: PhD (Doctoral) – 100% position for the duration of the doctoral programme.
Research focus: AI-assisted structural assessment of bridges under special road transports. Specific research questions include:
- Which parametric models and representations of common bridge types allow efficient assessment of structural safety and serviceability for special road transports?
- How can simulation data and bridge inventory data be combined so that data-driven models remain mechanically consistent, reliable, and interpretable?
- How can the influence of recurring heavy transports on structural damage and durability be meaningfully captured in such models?
Methods: Classical structural analysis, Finite Element Method (FEM), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Data Science, Python scripting.
Target Group
This position is open to highly qualified candidates from all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in Civil Engineering, preferably with a specialisation in Structural Engineering. The ideal candidate enjoys working at the intersection of classical structural engineering and modern data- and computer-aided methods.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: Full-time (100%) position for the duration of the doctoral programme (typically 3–4 years).
Salary: In accordance with the ETH Zurich salary regulations for doctoral students, providing a competitive salary with full social benefits (pension, health insurance, etc.).
Estimated annual salary: Approximately CHF 47,000 – 55,000 (gross) for the first year, with increases in subsequent years.
Additional benefits:
- Full social security and pension benefits
- Paid holiday leave (5 weeks per year)
- Parental leave and family benefits under Swiss law
- Access to ETH Zurich's world-class research facilities
- Affiliation with the ETH AI Center community
- Access to the Design++ research community
- Career development programmes with mentors from industry and academia
- Opportunity to attend leading international conferences
- Supportive research environment with a collaborative group
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Salary: CHF 47,000–55,000/year (ETH scale)
Duration: Full-time (100%) for 3–4 years
Additional: Pension + health insurance + 5 weeks holiday + ETH AI Center membership
Scholarship Eligibility
Required qualifications:
- Master's degree in Civil Engineering, preferably with a specialisation in Structural Engineering.
- Experience or strong interest in scripting (Python) and AI/Machine Learning/Data Science.
- Ability to work independently and with high initiative.
- Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken). German is a plus.
Desirable skills:
- Experience with Finite Element Method (FEM) software.
- Familiarity with structural assessment and bridge design.
- Interest in applying data-driven methods to structural engineering problems.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Master's degree in Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering specialisation preferred).
- Interest in AI, machine learning, and computational methods.
- Strong programming skills (Python or similar).
- Independent, self-motivated, and proactive.
- Good command of English (German is a plus).
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Without a Master's degree in Civil Engineering.
- No interest or experience in AI/machine learning.
- Lack of programming skills.
- Insufficient English proficiency.
Application Procedure
- Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
- CV – highlighting your academic background, research experience, and technical skills
- Motivation letter – explaining your interest in the position and your suitability for the research project
- Transcripts / academic records – from all post-secondary institutions
- Submit online application – Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal (job reference JOPG_ethz_VMgBwTKkf0UDtee8nX).
- Rolling review – Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
- Interviews – Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews (likely online or in-person).
- Offer – Successful candidates receive a formal offer from ETH Zurich.
Important notes:
- Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
- For questions regarding the position, contact Sophia Kuhn at [email protected] (no applications).
- The pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters, not by artificial intelligence.
- ETH Zurich values diversity and sustainability and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
Official Website & Application Link
ETH Zurich – Doctoral Position in AI-Assisted Bridge Assessment
Chair of Structural Engineering Website: https://www.ibk.ethz.ch
ETH AI Center: https://ai.ethz.ch
Questions: [email protected] (no applications)
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The ETH Zurich PhD position in AI-Assisted Bridge Assessment for Special Road Transports offers an exceptional opportunity to work at the cutting edge of structural engineering and artificial intelligence. With a prestigious supervisor (Prof. Walter Kaufmann), collaboration with the ETH AI Center, and direct practical relevance through the industry partner ASTRA, successful candidates will develop expertise at the intersection of classical structural analysis and modern computational methods.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Highlight your Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialisation in Structural Engineering.
- Showcase any experience with Python scripting and AI/machine learning methods.
- Demonstrate your interest in computational methods (FEM, data science, etc.).
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining why you are interested in this specific research project.
- Emphasise your independence, initiative, and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Apply early — applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Important reminders: Applications are only accepted through the ETH Zurich online portal. Do not send applications by email or post. The start date is negotiable but should be no later than October 2026. ETH Zurich is committed to diversity and sustainability — all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
ETH Zurich PhD Scholarship – AI-Assisted Bridge Assessment – FAQ
What is the duration of the PhD position?
The position is full-time (100%) for the duration of the doctoral programme, typically 3–4 years.
What is the salary?
The salary is in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations for doctoral students, approximately CHF 47,000–55,000 per year gross, with full social benefits.
What qualifications are required?
A Master's degree in Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering specialisation preferred), experience or interest in Python scripting and AI/machine learning, and good English communication skills.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early — start date is no later than October 2026.
Do I need to know German?
German is a plus but not required. The research language is English.
What research topics will I work on?
You will explore how AI and automation can complement structural assessment of bridges under heavy transportation loads, including parametric modelling, data-driven models, and the influence of recurring heavy transports on structural damage.
What documents do I need to submit?
A CV, motivation letter, and transcripts/academic records. Applications are accepted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online portal.