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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

PhD Positions in Earthquake Engineering / Structural Engineering (ENAC/EESD)

Mission

We are offering a challenging position as a full-time (100%) PhD Student at ENAC at EPFL, Lausanne. Our Laboratory EESD is focused on investigating the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete and unreinforced masonry buildings. Our approches include numerical and mechanical modeling, large-scale testing as well as data-driven methods. 

The PhD student will investigate how traditional dry stone masonry typologies—both with and without timber laces—in Northern Pakistan can be optimized to enhance seismic safety while relying on local craftsmanship, materials, and construction practices. Alongside efforts to strengthen this vernacular system, the project assesses its structural performance in comparison to other construction methods used in the region, including full timber frame systems and concrete block masonry confined with reinforced concrete (RC) bands. The resulting insights aim to support communities, NGOs, and engineers in identifying construction solutions that are seismically resilient, culturally respectful, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

  • Characterization and documentation of masonry typologies through field surveys in collaboration with local partners
  • Design and execution of structural testing campaigns on stone and concrete block masonry with and without reinforcement
  • Development of simplified and detailed numerical models to simulate structural behavior
  • Active participation in team meetings, potential field missions to Pakistan, and international dissemination activities
  • Contribution to scientific publications and project reports
  • Participate in education and supervise student projects
  • Have full responsibility for your own dissertation

Profile

  • A MSc degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering
  • Experience or strong interest in experimental methods in structural engineering
  • Interest in traditional construction techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration (engineering, heritage, architecture)
  • Willingness to work with international partners, including NGOs and local communities
  • Self-motivated, independent, and collaborative mindset
  • Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
  • Familiarity with numerical modeling tools (e.g., OpenSees, Abaqus, DIANA) is an asset
  • Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for data analysis is an asset

We offer

  • A stimulating and international working environment
  • Competitive salary and excellent working conditions – more information can be found on our website
    (https://www.epfl.ch/campus/services/human-resources/en/basic-starting-salary-of-doctoral-assistants-and-postdocs/)
  • Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe
  • Opportunity to interact with internationally renowned experts, and with a strong team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students
  • Opportunity to conduct meaningful research bridging engineering, cultural heritage, and development

Informations

 

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. Doctoral School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE).
Please check this page for additional information on admission.

Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL. Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered.

Your application should contain:

  • A motivation Letter
  • Your detailed CV
  • Contact information
  • The names and contact information of 3 references willing to write a recommendation letter

For any further information, please contact: igor.tomic@epfl.ch or katrin.beyer@epfl.ch (No applications directly sent to this address shall be considered).

Application deadline: [30/11/2025]

Contract Start Date: 01/01/2026 or earlier upon mutual agreement

Activity Rate Min: 100.00

Activity Rate Max: 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: One year, newable up to four years upon passing of the candidacy exam after the first year

Reference: 1694










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