Ph.D. student on the development of innovative materials and construction technologies for net-zero concrete structures in Dübendorf

• Developing concrete mixture designs with carbon sequestration capabilities
• Laboratory testing of the developed mixtures for their key fresh and hardened properties
• Designing carbon dioxide injection and curing systems for cementitious materials
• Conducting small- and large-scale experiments to examine the efficiency of the details and procedures established for carbon sequestration
• Investigating digital construction methods and strategies to build carbon-negative concrete structural elements with the expected strength and durability
• Conducting analytical and finite-element analyses to further understand the performance of structural elements made with carbon-negative concrete
• Investigating future structural applications through pilot projects Conducting life-cycle cost-benefit analyses to quantify environmental and economic benefits in both short and long terms

• Engineering university degree (Master’s) in civil engineering with specialization in structural engineering and/or concrete materials
• Strong experimental skills, ability to develop targeted mixture designs and test setups, as well as to organize and successfully perform the experiments in the laboratory
• Strong analytical and finite-element modelling skills
• Interested in sustainability as an integral pillar of the own work
• Team worker, able to collaborate with lab personnel, as well as with project partners
• Open to contribute to and assist other students their research projects and theses
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) for project documentation (internal) and scientific publications/presentations (external)
• In-depth knowledge of cementitious materials is a plus.

• Independent work with unique development opportunities in an emerging subject area with high innovation potential
• Modern laboratory with state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment at Empa in Dübendorf, Switzerland
• Daily supervision by renowned scientists and researchers in the field of structural engineering, concrete materials, and construction technologies
• Possible participation in a research exchange program (up to one year) hosted by the project partner, Prof. Dr. Behrouz Shafei at Iowa State University in the USA 

For further information about the position please contact Prof. Dr Moslem Shahverdi  and visit our websites and

We look forward to receiving your online application including a letter of motivation, CV, diplomas with transcripts and contact details of three potential referees. Please upload the requested documents through our webpage until March 31st, 2022. Applications via email will not be considered.

Empa, Patricia Nitzsche, Human Resources, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.