Student Assistant GPR-Based Railway Track Condition Assessment: Experimental Campaign Support 10%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-destructive geophysical technique with significant potential for assessing railway ballast and substructure condition, particularly with respect to fouling and moisture distribution. Understanding these parameters is essential for predicting long-term track performance and planning maintenance interventions. Project background As part of an ongoing collaboration between ETH Zürich, SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), and Terra Vermessungen AG, we are conducting controlled experiments on a dedicated test track, located at the ETH Hönggerberg campus, to systematically investigate GPR response under varying fouling and moisture conditions. By introducing degradation into pristine ballast under documented conditions, we aim to establish reliable ground truth data for developing automated condition indicators from GPR measurements. Job description Support in planning and preparation of the experimental campaign (test track configuration, material handling, measurement protocols) Participation in on-site GPR measurement activities together with project partners Laboratory sample preparation and material characterization (moisture content, fouling levels) Data organization, quality control, and documentation Signal processing and exploratory data analysis of collected GPR profiles Duration and Start Date Start: May 2026 Duration: May – July 2026 (approximately 3 months) Workload: Flexible, to be discussed Extension: Possible depending on project needs and candidate availability Profile Currently enrolled at ETH Zürich (Bachelor's or Master's level) Interest in geophysics, civil engineering, or data-driven infrastructure monitoring Practical, hands-on attitude for field and laboratory work Programming experience (Python preferred) for data analysis tasks Availability for on-site work during the experimental campaign (May-June 2026) Workplace We offer Involvement in an applied research project with direct industry relevance Hands-on experience with GPR technology and railway infrastructure Collaboration with academic and industry partners (SBB, Terra Vermessungen AG) Flexible working hours compatible with your studies Possibility of extension beyond July depending on project progress and mutual interest chevron_right 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 documents: CV Brief Statement of Interest Further information about our Chair can be found on our webpage. Questions regarding the position should be directed to giacomo.arcieri@ibk.baug.ethz.ch and chatzi@ibk.baug.ethz.ch 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. 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. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

Student Assistant GPR-Based Railway Track Condition Assessment: Experimental Campaign Support

10%-30%, Zurich, fixed-term

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-destructive geophysical technique with significant potential for assessing railway ballast and substructure condition, particularly with respect to fouling and moisture distribution. Understanding these parameters is essential for predicting long-term track performance and planning maintenance interventions.

Project background

As part of an ongoing collaboration between ETH Zürich, SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), and Terra Vermessungen AG, we are conducting controlled experiments on a dedicated test track, located at the ETH Hönggerberg campus, to systematically investigate GPR response under varying fouling and moisture conditions. By introducing degradation into pristine ballast under documented conditions, we aim to establish reliable ground truth data for developing automated condition indicators from GPR measurements.

Job description

Support in planning and preparation of the experimental campaign (test track configuration, material handling, measurement protocols)
Participation in on-site GPR measurement activities together with project partners
Laboratory sample preparation and material characterization (moisture content, fouling levels)
Data organization, quality control, and documentation
Signal processing and exploratory data analysis of collected GPR profiles

Duration and Start Date

Start: May 2026
Duration: May – July 2026 (approximately 3 months)
Workload: Flexible, to be discussed
Extension: Possible depending on project needs and candidate availability

Profile

Currently enrolled at ETH Zürich (Bachelor's or Master's level)
Interest in geophysics, civil engineering, or data-driven infrastructure monitoring
Practical, hands-on attitude for field and laboratory work
Programming experience (Python preferred) for data analysis tasks
Availability for on-site work during the experimental campaign (May-June 2026)

Workplace

We offer

Involvement in an applied research project with direct industry relevance
Hands-on experience with GPR technology and railway infrastructure
Collaboration with academic and industry partners (SBB, Terra Vermessungen AG)
Flexible working hours compatible with your studies
Possibility of extension beyond July depending on project progress and mutual interest

chevron_right 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 documents:

CV
Brief Statement of Interest

Further information about our Chair can be found on our webpage. Questions regarding the position should be directed to giacomo.arcieri@ibk.baug.ethz.ch and chatzi@ibk.baug.ethz.ch

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.

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.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

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