PhD opening in material science of stone conservation

ETH Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zürich invites applications for a PhD opening in the field of material science focusing on stone conservation. The project investigates contour scaling mechanisms using powder-bed 3D printing to simulate stone deterioration, enabling on-site monitoring and testing potential treatments.

Collaboration with a second PhD candidate is part of the program, strengthening interdisciplinary exchange. The successful candidate should have a strong interest in heritage conservation science and possess a

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field as listed.
• Excellent oral and written English essential.
• Good experimental skills.
• Willingness to collaborate with researchers and field practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Use 3D printed stones in testing facilities.
• Reproduce weathering conditions under laboratory settings.
• Develop methods for rapid on-site detection of contour scales and explore halt strategies.

Skills

Excellent English

German knowledge (advantage)

Strong communication

Experimental skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

Master's degree in conservation science / material science / chemistry / chemical engineering / civil engineering / conservation architecture

Tools

Powder-bed 3D printing

Laboratory testing facilities

Job description

PhD opening in material science of stone conservation

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Chair for Physical Chemistry of Building Materials has one opening for PhD. position on the topic of stone conservation, in particular the mechanisms of contour scaling. This PhD is part of the collaborative project “Spatially graded 3D printing to elucidate contour scaling of building stones”. It aims at elucidating the mechanism of contour scaling on building stone, establishing on-site monitoring methods and testing possible treatments for it. The selected student will collaborate with another PhD candidate funded in the scheme and employed at the Chair for Digital Building Technologies in the Department of Architecture.

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.

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.

We value diversity and sustainability

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.

Curious? So are we.

Further information about the Physical Chemistry of Building Materials

Further information about the Physical Chemistry of Building Materials can be found on our website.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr Timothy Wangler, Tel [phone] or email [e-mail] (no applications).

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.