PhD Position in Adapting and Strengthening End-of-Life Steel sections for Reuse through Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

PhD Position in Adapting and Strengthening End-of-Life Steel sections for Reuse through Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Steel and Composite Structures Group in the Institute of Structural Engineering (IBK) led by Prof Andreas Taras at ETH Zurich has an open position for a full-time (100%) PhD candidate in Adapting and Strengthening End-of-Life Steel sections for Reuse through Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing.

The position is available with a flexible start date, as soon as possible starting from August 2025.

Project background

The available PhD position is connected to a four-year research project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and led by Dr Vlad Silvestru, Senior Researcher in the Steel and Composite Structures group at ETH Zurich. The project team also includes Prof Catherine De Wolf from the group of Circular Engineering for Architecture at ETH Zurich, Prof Masoud Motavalli from the Structural Engineering Research Laboratory at Empa, and an Advisory Board consisting of relevant stakeholders from practice and research.

The research project aims at developing guidelines and a computational design and robotic WAAM (wire arc additive manufacturing) fabrication framework for facilitating the reuse of end-of-life steel sections. This will be achieved by tasks related to (i) supply characterization and condition assessment of reclaimed steel sections, (ii) development of a computational design approach for adapting/strengthening steel sections with WAAM, (iii) evaluation of differences in the mechanical properties of the base material, the deposited material and the areas where these interfere, (iv) geometry and structural performance agreement between the computationally designed adapting/strengthening solutions for steel sections with WAAM and the robotically WAAM fabricated solutions, and (v) assessing the benefits of adapting/strengthening steel sections with WAAM for reuse in terms of materials consumption and structural behaviour, carbon emissions, and costs.

Job description

The responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:

• Analysing established condition assessment methods for steel components, experimental investigation of selected condition assessment methods, and evaluation of their suitability on obtained salvaged steel elements;
• Developing a computational design approach for adapting and strengthening steel sections for reuse with WAAM, considering optimizations of material consumption, structural efficiency, and production constraints;
• Designing, manufacturing (by WAAM) and testing of samples for material characterization and derivation of material properties, and applying these properties in finite element simulations of the tests;
• Designing test specimens for selected steel section adaptation/ strengthening tasks with WAAM, manufacturing the test specimens (by WAAM), analysing their geometry by 3D scanning and mechanically testing them;
• Conducting comparative life cycle assessment and cost estimations to highlight the benefits of using WAAM for adapting and strengthening end-of-life steel sections;
• Active participation in research activities, including publishing scientific journal papers and presenting findings at conferences and workshops.

The research project will be managed and coordinated by Dr Vlad Silvestru, while Prof Andreas Taras will be the thesis promoter and first supervisor.

More information about the doctorate at ETH Zurich can be found in the AVETH survival guide .

Profile

For the open position we are looking for a doctoral candidate who meets the following requirements:

• An MSc degree (or equivalent) in civil engineering (preferably structural engineering);
• A background and strong interest in steel structures, additive manufacturing (preferably with metals), robotic fabrication, circular engineering, experimental methods, and topology optimization;
• Fluent in English (oral and written);
• Experience with computer aided design (CAD, e.g., AutoCad, Rhino/Grasshopper), manufacturing (CAM, e.g., Fusion 360) and engineering (CAE, e.g., Abaqus, Ansys) software tools commonly used in additive manufacturing, structural design and related research (e.g., parametric design tools, finite element simulation tools, topology optimization tools, path planning and slicing tools, etc.);
• Experience with programming, preferably Python;
• Deep enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and strive for scientific excellence;
• Excellent communication abilities, social skills, and independent attitude paired with the ability to network and interact with relevant industry stakeholders.

Additional beneficial competences are:

• Good command of German (oral and written) is beneficial for the position and communication with local industry, but not mandatory;
• Experience in condition assessment of end-of-life steel (metal) structural elements, life cycle assessment and circular engineering;
• Experience and knowledge in steel construction are beneficial for engaging in teaching activities of the group.

Workplace

We offer

The open position is a full-time position initially categorized as ETH rate Standard , with the possibility of an assignment to a higher salary rate (up to rate 5) based on the candidate suitability and a willingness to engage in teaching and other scientific service activities within the research group.

Further, you can expect:

• Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge research project in a dynamic, young team together with leading academics and industry experts;
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and resources at ETH Zurich and partner institutions (e.g., MX3D M1 Metal AM System, Structural testing lab, various 3D scanning tools, etc.);
• An intellectually stimulating and collaborative research environment in a vibrant team dedicated to excellence at the Institute of Structural Engineering;
• Opportunities for collaboration with other groups from the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG), the Department of Architecture (D-ARCH), and the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), as well as from Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology;
• Competitive salary, and flexible working hours;
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and networking with industry professionals.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

We value diversity

Curious? So are we.

The application process is now open and will last latest until 11.05.2025. The position is available with a flexible start date, as soon as possible starting from August 2025.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents prepared in English (please make sure your last name is on all the documents and in the file names):

• Cover letter (max 1 page);
• CV (including list of publications if applicable);
• An official academic transcript/list of courses completed, including grades (please upload a single PDF for the transcript);
• A brief statement describing how you will address the topic, making a connection to your experience and the related work from the literature (max 600 words, excluding bibliography, in PDF format);
• Names and contact details of two references.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about Steel and Composite Structures Group at ETH Zurich can be found on our website .

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr Vlad Silvestru via email at E-Mail schreiben (no applications).

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.