PhD Position in Rock Mechanics

The Engineering Geology Group (Prof. Dr Jordan Aaron, Geological Institute) is looking for a creative and motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in rock mechanics and laboratory analysis. The position is expected to start in January 2025 and is fully funded for 4 years.

Catastrophic rock slope failure and subsequent runout is an important hazard in many alpine regions.  It is a complex process that is partly controlled by the interaction between discontinuities and intact rock.  There is an urgent need for improved process understanding of rock slope failure, as increased development pressures are changing the risk posed by rock slopes  around the world.  The present project leverages the unique expertise and facilities available in The Chair of Engineering Geology at ETH Zurich to improve our understanding of these processes.

In this project, you will use the state-of-the-art laboratory and numerical modelling infrastructure available to the Chair of Engineering Geology to develop, test and apply a new methodology to investigate the behaviour of jointed rock. This will combine state-of-the-art mechanical tests with recent developments in additive manufacturing.  You will then use numerical modelling to develop, validate and test the newly developed methodology. Finally, you will perform scaled experiments of engineering geology systems to make fundamental insights into processes such as rock slope failure and rock fracture propagation in jointed rock. 

• MSc. in Engineering Geology, Earth Sciences, Geological Engineering, Geophysics or related fields
• Strong background in rock mechanics
• Experience in rock mechanical laboratory testing
• Interest in numerical modelling
• Motivation, creativity, independence, and ability to work in a team
• Excellent English communication skills

We are an enthusiastic and collaborative research group with many opportunities for multi-disciplinary cutting-edge research in engineering geology. There are significant opportunities to broaden your research interests and develop your academic career. We further offer training in teaching through teaching assistantships, as well as access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research equipment.