PostDoc/Scientist - Blue-Green Pavement Systems

About the role

Empa, a research institution of the ETH Domain, is looking for a motivated postdoc/scientist with a strong background in asphalt and unbound material research to work on multi-functional pavements for blue-green infrastructure in cities. The position is funded for two years, starting in February 2027 or by mutual agreement.

Key responsibilities

• Work on projects developing blue-green pavement systems, including permeable and water-filtering structures and measures against the urban heat island effect.
• Develop and characterise semi-bound pavement materials, including their use as carbon sinks, and perform their structural design.
• Use a full-scale pavement facility, including its instrumentation, to evaluate the mechanical, hydraulic and thermal performance of the solutions.
• Manage research projects, follow project plans, collaborate with research partners and stakeholders, and report to funding agencies.
• Contribute to international forums and apply for new research grants.

Required profile

• PhD in Pavement Engineering, Materials Science or a related field.
• Experience with material development and characterisation across scales, and strong management and communication skills.
• Excellent English communication and scientific writing skills.
• German is a strong advantage due to stakeholder communication.

Required skills

• Relevant: asphalt, granular materials and permeable pavement materials.
• Beneficial: mechanistic pavement structural design and modelling.

What we offer

• A two-year funded position in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment with a high degree of independence.
• Outstanding infrastructure, a broad interdisciplinary setting and competitive salaries.

Applications must be submitted online through the employer's job portal with a letter of motivation, CV, certificates and two references; applications by e-mail or post are not accepted.