PhD in Material Science of Stone Conservation

About the role

The Chair for Physical Chemistry of Building Materials at ETH Zurich is offering a fixed-term PhD position in Zurich on the topic of stone conservation, focusing on the mechanisms of contour scaling. The PhD is part of the collaborative project "Spatially graded 3D printing to elucidate contour scaling of building stones" and aims to elucidate the mechanism of contour scaling on building stone, establish on-site monitoring methods and test possible treatments. The selected student will collaborate with another PhD candidate funded in the same scheme and employed at the Chair for Digital Building Technologies in the Department of Architecture.

The project uses powder-bed 3D printing of stone-like materials to create spatially graded samples that mimic natural stones and their weathering effects, including the defect, flaws and inhomogeneities that drive stone deterioration. Contour scaling, which affects molasse sandstones widely used on the Swiss plateau, causes loss of cohesion below the exposed surface and highly inhomogeneous properties. The 3D printing starts with a large-scale powder bed printer developed by the Chair for Digital Building Technologies and will be advanced by the other PhD student.

Key responsibilities

• Use 3D-printed stones in the testing facilities of the Chair for Physical Chemistry of Building Materials to reproduce under laboratory conditions the harsh weathering events affecting building stones on monuments
• Study the mechanism of contour scaling on building stone
• Develop methods for rapid detection of contour scaling on site
• Explore possible means of halting the propagation and/or formation of contour scales

Required profile

• A keen interest in, or preferably experience in, heritage conservation science
• Masters 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 a willingness to learn it is essential
• Very good communication skills and willingness to collaborate with other researchers

What we offer

• Opportunities to start an academic or industrial research career in cement and concrete technology, with a strong basis in materials chemistry and rheology
• Networking through academic societies such as RILEM, industry connections and internal ETH connections
• Flexibility in working hours and home office options

Applications are submitted online through the university's application portal and must include a cover letter, CV, names and contact details of three references, and a short two-minute video introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the position.