PhD opening in material science of stone conservation

Immigration Policy Lab; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 55.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD opening in the material science of stone conservation. The project aims to establish and validate a novel experimental workflow using powder-bed 3D printing to create stone-like samples and study contour scaling under controlled laboratory weathering conditions.

The PhD student will work in the Chair for Physical Chemistry of Building Materials, collaborating with researchers across building materials, chemistry and heritage conservation to advance

Qualifikationen

• Interest or experience in heritage conservation science.
• Master's degree in conservation science, material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, civil engineering, or conservation architecture.
• Good experimental skills.
• Excellent oral and written English; conversational German is an advantage, but willingness to learn is required.

Aufgaben

• Use 3D printed stones in the Chair for Physical Chemistry of Building Materials testing facilities.
• Reproduce harsh weathering events under laboratory conditions.
• Develop methods for rapid detection of contour scales on site and explore ways to halt propagation.

Kenntnisse

Experimental skills

Excellent English

German knowledge (nice to have)

Ausbildung

Master's degree (conservation science or related)

Jobbeschreibung

PhD opening in material science of stone conservation

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Project background

This project aims to establish and validate a novel experimental approach to the study of stone deterioration by leveraging powder-bed 3D printing of stone-like materials. This enables the creation of spatially graded samples mimicking natural stones and their alteration through weathering. Most importantly, this can be done in a repetitive way and with systematic variations of the defect, flaws and inhomogeneities known to play an essential role in stone deterioration.

The specific stone deterioration mechanism that will be investigated is contour scaling, a process of particular concern to molasse sandstones largely used in the Swiss plateau. It leads to loss of cohesion below the exposed surface, at a depth in the range of some millimetres to several centimetres. It leads to highly inhomogeneous properties that our 3D printing approach would be able to mimic for the first time.

The 3D printing will begin using an innovative and large-scale 3D powder bed printer developed by the Chair for Digital Building Technologies, and will be advanced for the purpose of this project by the other PhD student.

Job description

• The present PhD student will use such 3D printed stones in the unique testing facilities of the Chair for Physical Chemistry of Building Materials
• This will enable the reproduction under laboratory conditions of harsh events that condition the weathering of building stones on monuments
• That study will be complemented by method development to enable rapid detection of contour scales on site, in addition to exploring possible means of halting the propagation and/or formation of such contour scales

Profile

• The successful candidate should have a keen interest, or preferably experience in heritage conservation science
• They should additionally hold a Masters degree in conservation science, material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, civil engineering, or conservation architecture
• In any case good experimental skills are a must
• An excellent oral and written level of English is essential
• Conversational knowledge of German is an advantage, but desire to learn it is a must
• As the project involves collaboration between groups in addition to field practitioners, very good communication skills and willingness to collaborate with other researchers is essential

We offer

The Chair of Physical Chemistry of Building Materials within the Institute for Building Materials offers many chances for jump‑starting an academic or industrial research career in cement and concrete technology, with a strong basis in materials chemistry and rheology. Our highly diverse and international group also offers many networking opportunities through academic societies such as RILEM, industry connections, as well as internal ETH connections. We are committed to diversity by allowing flexibility in working hours, home office, and other measures to ensure team members can adequately perform their roles.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future.

About ETH Zürich

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.