PhD Position Focused on Stress-Testing Complex and Interconnected Infrastructure Systems

The Chair of Infrastructure Management led by Professor Dr. Bryan T. Adey in the Institute of Construction and Infrastructure Management of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering has an opening for a doctoral student focused on the stress testing complex and interconnected infrastructure systems.

Complex and interconnected infrastructure systems, including transportation, water, electricity and gas ensure the functioning of society. Events that affect the functioning of these systems can have far-reaching consequences, which depend on how the events initially affect the physical infrastructure, how managers react to the events to stop cascading, and how they restore the functioning of the system(s) over time. An understanding of how complex and interconnected infrastructure systems are, is required if actions are to be taken to improve their resilience. This in turn requires the ability to model these complex systems and how they will react to potentially resilience improving actions. Although there have been many recent advances in this area for different types of infrastructure, significantly more is possible.

The goal of this doctorate is to improve the ability of infrastructure management organisations to conduct stress tests on complex infrastructure systems, taking into consideration the physical infrastructure network and its interconnectedness with other infrastructure networks, the environment in which it is embedded, and how this might change in the future, due to a changing climate, and the organisations responsible for providing service. The specific infrastructure system targeted will depend on numerous factors, including the interests of the candidate. The specific modelling techniques used will be the ones most suitable to the case study. 

The successful candidate for this doctoral position will have a Master’s degree in civil engineering, systems engineering, spatial planning or a related field, and will have experience with one or more of the following: agent-based simulations, system dynamics, mathematical modelling, probability theory, risk assessment, R, python and GIS. Good knowledge of English is essential. Good knowledge of German is beneficial.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.