Responsible for material selection, characterization, and performance under tunneling conditions.
Overview
As a Material Scientist, you will guide the selection and characterization of materials used in our new-generation Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) — successor to the award-winning Groundhog Gamma. From cutterhead wear plates to seals and structural components, you’ll help us understand how candidate materials behave under abrasive, wet, and high-load tunneling conditions. You’ll work closely with the mechanical, geotechnical, and testing teams to turn material choices into real performance gains.
The following requirements outline the optimal profile for this position. All of them can be learned or extended throughout your experience within the team — we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every criterion. Your reliability, commitment, and passion for innovation are the traits we value most.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Recommend materials for structural, wear, and sealing components based on the load and environment.
- Run or coordinate characterization tests (hardness, wear, fatigue, corrosion) on candidate materials.
- Liaise with suppliers and research partners to source samples, datasheets, and consultation.
- Document material decisions, test results, and lessons learned for future iterations.
- Support the testing team during destructive and non-destructive trials.
- Help out the team with small tasks related to your subsystem.
- Attend weekly meetings and working sessions and contribute to the association’s culture.
Qualifications & Skills
- Background or interest in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related field.
- Curiosity about metals, polymers, composites, ceramics, or tribology — depth in any one is welcome.
- Comfort working with lab equipment or willingness to learn (microscopy, hardness testers, etc.).
- Basic data-analysis skills (Excel, Python, MATLAB, or similar).
- Strong communication and organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail.
- Self-initiative and a problem-solving mindset.
- Passion for tunneling and applied research.
Benefits
- Meet skilled, highly motivated people and build long-lasting relationships beyond the association.
- Sharpen technical and decision-making skills on a real machine; option to integrate your contribution into a semester or research thesis.
- Exchange with experts from research and industry across the project’s partner network.
Workload
Expected workload is around 10–12 hours per week, with approximately one to two hours of meetings and the rest individual or group work. You will attend the team’s working session on the weekly meeting day for around three to five hours. The remaining time is at your discretion.
Workplaces
We provide offices and workspaces in Zürich at ETH’s Student Project House (SPH) and in Dübendorf. From day one you can work independently and take responsibility for your duties and deliverables. During weekly meetings and team working sessions you must physically attend at Empa or justify your absence to your team lead.
Application
Apply by sending an email to apply@swisslooptunneling.ch or by filling out the form on our website https://swisslooptunneling.ch/join-us/ with the following:
- Your CV
- Motivation for applying and position of interest
Application deadline is the 7th of June 2026!
Please note that SLT is a voluntary research organization and does not offer any paid employment.