Student Assistant (HiWi) – Experimental Research on Bio-Based Sensing Materials

Student Assistant (HiWi) – Experimental Research on Bio-Based Sensing Materials

10%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring (SMM) at BAUG, ETH Zürich conducts research at the intersection of structural dynamics, sensing technologies, and intelligent materials. Our work explores new paradigms for monitoring infrastructure through physics-based modeling, sensing systems, and data-driven approaches.

The advertised position is part of a research project exploring living materials as sensing media, specifically mycelium-based composites for structural monitoring. Recent work in the group investigates how electrical signal propagation in mycelium networks changes under mechanical loading, enabling the development of bio-based sensing systems for structural health monitoring.

Project background

We seek a motivated Student Assistant (HiWi) to support experimental work related to mycelium-based sensing materials.

The student will contribute to laboratory experiments that investigate how mechanical deformation affects electrical signal propagation in mycelium composites, an emerging sensing concept for smart and sustainable monitoring systems.

Job description

• Supporting preparation and growth of mycelium samples (petri dishes and composite samples)
• Assisting with sample preparation and fabrication of mycelium-based composites
• Helping to set up and operate electrical sensing and measurement systems
• Assisting with data acquisition during laboratory experiments
• Supporting experimental documentation and basic data organization

Training will be provided for biological sample preparation and experimental procedures.

Profile

• Background in electrical engineering, sensors, or signal processing
• Experience with data acquisition systems or laboratory electronics
• You are currently enrolled as a student at a Swiss university

Workplace

Zurich (map image placeholder)

We offer

• Training opportunities
• Hands-on experience in cutting-edge research on living sensing materials
• Exposure to experimental sensing setups and interdisciplinary research
• A collaborative and stimulating research environment at ETH Zürich
• Flexible working arrangements compatible with studies

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following application documents:

• CV
• Brief motivation statement

Further information about the Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to v.derti@ibk.baug.ethz.ch (no applications).

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

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.