Postdoc Researcher: Dynamic Mobile Sensing Platform (1 year contract)

ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities in the world with a strong focus on science and engineering. In 2010 it established the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF) to do interdisciplinary research on pressing problems.

In collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), SEC is undertaking a research programme on "Future Resilient Systems (FRS)". The FRS addresses the challenges with critical infrastructure systems that provide essential services to modern societies, which is of particular importance to innovation-driven economies like Singapore and Switzerland. Within this framework, we are announcing the following job opening. 

You will develop and implement a roving sensor platform for gathering information on the health state of critical parts of infrastructure networks and assets, e.g. bridges, railways or wind turbines. Vehicles of different forms (e.g. bicycles, cars, train carriages or drones) are re-imagined as carriers of low-cost sensors able to aggregate a multiplicity of information on the position, direction, velocity, acceleration and other relevant parameters of structures, e.g. bridge surface conditions and/or structural integrity characteristics. This information will be primarily used for the condition assessment of critical infrastructure components.

In the second step, this data is to be fused with information received from users of the critical network (active human sensors), for decision support and rapid response to disruptions. The research methodology encompasses a technical aspect of the development of the DMSP, as well as methodological aspects of data processing, reinforcement learning and stochastic decision support tools applied to condition monitoring.

The primary advisor is Prof. Eleni Chatzi. Prof. A. Wieser (D- BAUG, ETH Zurich), as well as Prof. Loon Ching Tang (NUS) and Prof. Zhisheng Ye (NUS), are co-advisors. The earliest starting date is April 1st, 2023. Please note that the employment will be at the Singapore-ETH Centre. 

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.

Curious? So are we.

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

• a letter of motivation
• a CV
• electronic copies of your educational certificates
• and recommendation letters from 2 referees

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

For further information about the Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring, which is the primary host, please visit our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr Eleni Chatzi by email at [email protected] (no applications) or by phone at +41446336755.

Singapore-ETH Centre

The Singapore-ETH Centre provides a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment to researchers working on diverse themes focussed on sustainable and liveable cities, resilient urban systems, and patient-centric healthcare. The centre is home to a community of over 100 doctoral, postdoctoral and professorial researchers working in three main programmes: Future Cities Laboratory, Future Resilient Systems, and Future Health Technologies.