PhD in Experimental Nonlinear Dynamics & Nanomechanics

1000scholars; Zürich; On-site; CHF 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International environment

Electronics support from in-house team

Close supervision with room for ideas

Job summary

ETH Zürich, in the Spin Physics group, offers a four-year PhD position in Zurich focused on experimental nonlinear dynamics and nanomechanics. The project centers on building a network of Kerr parametric oscillators, studying attractor landscapes and dynamical patterns through coupled MEMS resonators and real-time measurements.

You will work closely with theory partners, run measurements, analyze data with simulations, and contribute to publications in an international setting.

Qualifications

• Hold MSc in physics, electrical engineering or related field with solid background in nanomechanics, nonlinear dynamics or statistical physics.
• Enjoy hands-on experimental work (electronics, signal processing, Python) and be comfortable with analytical theory.
• Experience with MEMS, lock-in detection or FPGAs is a plus.
• Good communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Build and operate a programmable network of coupled KPOs with up to eight nodes, including control and readout electronics and measurement software.
• Map attractor landscapes, switching statistics and probability currents from measured trajectories.
• Compare experiment with simulations and analytical models in close contact with theory partners and publish results internationally.

Skills

Hands-on experimental work

Electronics

Python

Signal processing

FPGAs

English communication

Education

MSc in physics or electrical engineering

Tools

MEMS

Lock-in detection

FPGAs

Job description

ETH Zürich, in the Spin Physics group, offers a four-year PhD position in Zurich focused on experimental nonlinear dynamics and nanomechanics. The project centers on building a network of Kerr parametric oscillators, studying attractor landscapes and dynamical patterns through coupled MEMS resonators and real-time measurements.

You will work closely with theory partners, run measurements, analyze data with simulations, and contribute to publications in an international setting.