ETH Zurich PhD Scholarship in Computational Earthquake Rupture Mechanics (2026) – Fully Funded
Scholarship Description
ETH Zurich, one of the world's leading universities in science and technology, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Computational Earthquake Rupture Mechanics at the Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) in the Institute for Building Materials. This exciting research opportunity focuses on understanding how complex materials fail, with a specific emphasis on dynamic earthquake rupture propagation, arrest, and energy dissipation in heterogeneous fault systems.
The research group, led by Prof. David Kammer, is highly interdisciplinary and international, bringing together researchers with backgrounds in materials science, mechanics, and applied physics. The successful candidate will combine numerical method development and theoretical analysis to investigate how heterogeneous stress states and nonlinear near-fault processes influence earthquake rupture propagation, arrest, and earthquake-size statistics.
This position offers a stimulating environment for scientific growth and collaboration, with access to state-of-the-art computational resources and the opportunity to develop high-performance simulation tools, including GPU-oriented numerical methods.
Scholarship Location
The PhD position is based at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, one of the world's most prestigious universities located in the heart of Europe. Zurich consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities, offering excellent quality of life and a vibrant scientific community.
Application Deadline
The position is available with a flexible start date, possibly as soon as possible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Application Deadline: Open until filled (rolling applications)
Start Date: Flexible — as soon as possible
Recommendation: Submit your application as early as possible. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Host Institution
ETH Zurich – the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. The Professorship of Solid Mechanics (SMEC) is part of the Institute for Building Materials, offering a world-class research environment with excellent facilities and a collaborative international community.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: PhD (Doctoral) – full-time (100% employment).
Field: Computational Earthquake Rupture Mechanics. Specific research areas include:
- Dynamic earthquake rupture simulation and modelling
- Numerical method development for fracture and solid mechanics
- High-performance computing (GPU-oriented numerical methods)
- Fracture-mechanics theory and large-scale numerical simulations
- Heterogeneous stress states and nonlinear dissipative processes (off-fault plasticity)
- Rupture arrest and earthquake-size statistics
- Verification and validation of numerical methods against benchmarks
Target Group
The position is open to motivated and innovative candidates from all nationalities with a strong background in computational mechanics, physics, engineering, earth science, or related disciplines. ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture and values diversity, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: 3–4 years (standard PhD duration at ETH Zurich).
Funding: The position is fully funded with a competitive salary according to ETH Zurich standards. PhD salaries at ETH Zurich are among the best in Europe, typically ranging from CHF 47,000 to 56,000 per year (gross), depending on experience and progress.
Benefits include:
- Full social security and pension benefits
- Paid holiday leave
- Access to public transport season tickets and car sharing
- Wide range of sports offered by ASVZ
- Childcare options and attractive pension benefits
- A supportive, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Salary: CHF 47,000–56,000/year (gross)
Duration: 3–4 years
Additional: Pension benefits + holiday leave + sports + public transport + childcare
Scholarship Eligibility
Essential qualifications:
- An MSc degree in mechanics, physics, engineering, earth science, material science, computational science, or a related discipline.
- A background in computational mechanics, solid mechanics, applied physics, scientific computing, or a related field.
- Experience implementing scientific code and validating it against analytical solutions, numerical benchmarks, or well-documented reference results.
- Programming experience in Python and familiarity with version control (e.g., Git).
- Knowledge of English (fluent, both oral and written).
Advantageous skills (not required):
- Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) or GPU programming
- Proficiency in C/C++
- Experience with numerical methods for wave propagation, fracture, or solid mechanics
Personal qualities:
- Curious, self-motivated, and enjoys developing numerical methods to answer mechanics questions
- Enjoys working in a team, possesses good social skills and communication abilities
- Contributes proactively to a positive group atmosphere
✅ Eligible Candidates
- All nationalities — ETH Zurich is a global institution.
- MSc degree in mechanics, physics, engineering, earth science, or related field.
- Background in computational mechanics, solid mechanics, or scientific computing.
- Strong programming skills (Python, version control).
- English proficiency (fluent).
- Curiosity and motivation to answer fundamental mechanics questions.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Applicants without an MSc degree (or equivalent).
- No experience with scientific code implementation or numerical methods.
- Insufficient programming background.
- No demonstrated interest in computational mechanics or earthquake physics.
- Inadequate English language skills.
Application Procedure
- Review the job description – Visit the ETH Zurich job portal (job reference JOPG_ethz_Bner0qEzUweIGYHkB2) for the full job advertisement.
- Prepare required documents – Gather the following materials:
- CV (Curriculum Vitae) – detailing your education, research experience, programming skills, and publications
- Academic transcript/list of courses completed – from your MSc and previous degrees
- Brief project statement – describing your project idea relevant to the job description, connecting your experience to the related work from the literature (1–2 pages)
- Names and contact details of two references – who can comment on your academic and research abilities
- Submit your application – Applications are accepted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
- Application review – Pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters (not by artificial intelligence). Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
- Interviews – Selected candidates will be invited for an interview (online or in-person) to discuss their background, research interests, and motivation.
- Offer and acceptance – The successful candidate receives a formal offer of employment as a PhD researcher at ETH Zurich.
- Start – The position is available with a flexible start date, possibly as soon as possible.
Important notes: Only applications submitted through the online application portal will be considered. For questions regarding the position (not applications), contact Prof. David Kammer at [email protected]. Please note that applications sent via email will not be processed.
Official Website & Application Links
ETH Zurich – PhD Position in Computational Earthquake Rupture Mechanics (Official Job Posting)
ETH Zurich Main Website: https://ethz.ch
Professor Contact (questions only): [email protected] (do not send applications via email)
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The ETH Zurich PhD scholarship in Computational Earthquake Rupture Mechanics offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to work at one of the world's most prestigious universities. With a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment, successful candidates can make significant contributions to our understanding of earthquake physics while advancing their academic careers.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Ensure your MSc degree is in a relevant field (mechanics, physics, engineering, earth science, or computational science).
- Highlight your experience with scientific code implementation and validation against benchmarks.
- Demonstrate strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with version control (Git).
- Showcase any experience with high-performance computing, GPU programming, or C/C++ — these are strong advantages.
- Prepare a concise and compelling project statement that connects your experience to the job description.
- Provide the names and contact details of two referees who can speak to your academic and research abilities.
- Submit your application through the ETH Zurich online portal only — email applications will not be considered.
- Apply early — the position is open until filled, and rolling applications are reviewed continuously.
Important reminders: The position is available with a flexible start date. ETH Zurich is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity. For specific questions about the research project, contact Prof. David Kammer directly. All applications must be submitted via the official ETH Zurich job portal.
ETH Zurich PhD Scholarship – Computational Earthquake Rupture Mechanics – FAQ
What is the salary for this PhD position?
The position offers a competitive salary according to ETH Zurich standards, typically CHF 47,000–56,000 per year (gross), with full social security and pension benefits.
What qualifications are required?
An MSc degree in mechanics, physics, engineering, earth science, computational science, or a related field. A background in computational mechanics, solid mechanics, or scientific computing with strong programming skills (Python) is essential.
Do I need to know German?
No. The working language is English. Candidates must be fluent in English (both oral and written). German is not required but may be an advantage for daily life in Zurich.
What is the application deadline?
The position is open until filled, with rolling applications. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Is this position open to international applicants?
Yes, ETH Zurich welcomes applications from candidates of all nationalities.
What programming experience is required?
Experience with Python and version control (Git) is essential. Experience with C/C++, HPC, or GPU programming is an advantage but not required.