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

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. 

Job description

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. 

Your profile

• You must hold a PhD or equivalent University level diploma in data science, computer science, information technology, civil/mechanical, industrial & operational research, electrical engineering, geomatics/geodesy, or a related field.
• Principal qualifications include strong programming experience, analytical and quantitative skills, experience with numerical analysis, particularly for structural engineering applications, data analysis and modelling, programming and ideally also high-performance computing and machine learning.
• You should be further experienced in sensor system development, sensor integration and operative data collection.
• A solid knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory.
• We expect good interpersonal skills, the ability to thrive in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment, and the ability to present work at international conferences.

We value diversity

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.

About ETH Zürich

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.