2 PhD Positions in Mechanics of Reinforced Concrete (ENAC/CONSTRUCT)

Mission

The CONSTRUCT Laboratory at the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), EPFL, led by Prof.

David Ruggiero, is seeking two highly motivated PhD candidates to join a newly funded Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project: “Multiscale Modelling of Cracked Reinforced Concrete: From Aggregate Interlock to Structural Assessment”.

The positions are expected to start in early 2027 (or upon agreement).

The PhD research will focus on the development of a new framework for the mechanics-based assessment of cracked reinforced concrete structures, enabling engineers to directly incorporate observed crack behaviour (shape, width, slip) into structural analysis and evaluation.

The project combines experimental testing, advanced sensing, and multiscale modelling, spanning from crack-scale behaviour to full structural systems.

Research activities include:

The successful candidates will join the Concrete Behaviour and Structural Design Laboratory (CONSTRUCT), which focuses on the mechanics of reinforced concrete structures, with particular emphasis on:

The lab offers access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including large-scale structural testing systems (e.g., Panel Element Tester) and advanced instrumentation (e.g., Digital Image Correlation and Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing), as well as strong links to international collaborators and industry partners.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will be expected to:

Profile

We offer

Informations

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will also be requested to apply to the doctoral program in Civil and Environmental Engineering ( EDCE ).

Applicants who have already applied to or been deemed admissible by EDCE should indicate this in their application.

Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered. You are asked to supply:

Application deadline: 30/09/2026

Contract start date: Early 2027 or upon mutual agreement

Activity Rate: 100%

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 4 years

For more information, please contact: david.ruggiero@epfl.ch. No applications sent directly to this address shall be considered.