In this comprehensive guide, our dedicated Fastepo team presents a curated selection of fully funded PhD and Postdoctoral positions currently open at the prestigious École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland.

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne Switzerland (EPFL)

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland is a renowned public research university founded in 1875. It consistently ranks as the world’s top engineering university and among the top 12 globally for academic excellence. With over 11,500 students and 4,000 staff members, EPFL is known for producing Nobel Prize winners and focuses on natural sciences and engineering.

EPFL offers fully funded Master’s, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral positions with competitive salaries, making it a top choice for aspiring researchers and students. Its beautiful location in Lausanne, Switzerland, by Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, adds to its appeal as a hub for academic excellence and research advancement.


Available Fully Funded PhD at École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne Switzerland (EPFL)

Here you can find available PhD Positions at École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne Switzerland (EPFL).


Available Fully Funded PhD at College of Management of Technology (CDM)

Research and education in engineering play pivotal roles within the realm of management science at our College. Furthermore, we infuse an entrepreneurial ethos into EPFL’s campus, foster cross-disciplinary partnerships, and adopt a holistic approach to addressing both industrial and societal challenges.

Title: CDM-PhD position at PASU lab (EPFL PhD)

Duration: 4 years

Earliest starting date: September 1, 2024.

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The Policy & Sustainability (PASU) lab at EPFL seeks two PhD students to join their team for a new SNSF-funded project on Managing a Just Transition to Net Zero. The project aims to assess economic and labor market threats arising from the transition to net zero, and to identify effective policies to mitigate these risks. Key inquiries include evaluating worker and regional labor market vulnerabilities to decarbonization, identifying exposed occupations, assessing job search challenges for at-risk workers, evaluating the effectiveness of ‘just transition’ policies, and designing policies to foster support for net zero targets.

Requirements:

  • Possession of a strong master’s degree in economics, computational social science, or a related quantitative social science field such as public policy.
  • Candidates with an engineering background may be considered if they can demonstrate exposure to economics or computational social science in their coursework or master’s thesis.
  • Demonstrated interest in climate, sustainability, energy, and/or labor economics issues.
  • Proficiency in English; French language skills are not mandatory.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: CDM – PhD position in Technology & Operations Management (TOM) (EPFL PhD)

Duration: The PhD position will typically span 4 years

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

  • Full-time PhD Student position at the College of Management of Technology at EPFL, Lausanne.
  • Research in collaboration with industry partners.
  • Supervision of student projects and basic administrative support.
  • Focus on addressing technology-based enterprise issues.
  • Utilizing quantitative models for managerial insights.
  • Emphasis on bridging theory and practice through industry collaboration.

Requirements:

  • An excellent Master’s level degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
  • A strong mathematical background and a genuine interest in business-related topics.
  • Proficiency in English, strong team spirit, independence, and a high level of motivation for academic research driven by practical problems.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: CDM – PhD Position in Operations, Economics and Strategy (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

A PhD student position is currently open at the Operations, Economics, and Strategy (OES) Chair, led by Prof. Thomas A. Weber, within the Management of Technology and Entrepreneurship Institute (MTEI) at the College of Management of Technology, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Application Deadline: January 15th, 2024 (Early decision applications are encouraged for prompt review).

They seek highly motivated, exceptional candidates with backgrounds in engineering, applied mathematics, or economics. Applicants should possess expertise in mathematical model optimization and analysis. Detailed information about ongoing research can be found on the OES website. Proficiency in English is a mandatory requirement, and candidates must hold the equivalent of at least one master’s degree from a prestigious institution. Prior industry experience is advantageous.

Requirements:

  • PhD student position at OES Chair, MTEI, EPFL.
  • Application deadline: January 15th, 2024 (Early submissions recommended).
  • Seek motivated candidates in engineering, applied mathematics, or economics.
  • Proficiency in mathematical model optimization and analysis.
  • Fluent in English.
  • Minimum one master’s degree from a reputable institution.
  • Industry experience is a valuable asset.

More Details and apply.


Available Fully Funded PhD at Engineering science and technology (STI)

The School of Engineering (STI) at EPFL has introduced an innovative program known as the STI Engineering Discovery Initiative. This initiative is designed to foster high-impact, interdisciplinary collaborative research projects that align closely with STI’s core research areas. It is envisioned to culminate in the development of a significant, large-scale project in the near future.


Position Title: STI-PhD position in Phase Change Heat and Mass Transfer (ETA-LAB) (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Starting date: prior to April 1st, 2025

Summary:

A PhD position is open in Prof. Zhengmao Lu’s Energy Transport Advances Laboratory (ETA-LAB) within the Institute of Mechanical Engineering at EPFL, Switzerland. The lab focuses on advancing understanding of liquid-gas interfacial heat and mass transfer and developing high-performance, low-carbon-emission energy and water technologies.

Requirements:

  • Strong background in heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
  • Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Previous experience in materials synthesis and optics is advantageous, though not mandatory.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: STI – PhD position in the Technology Platform for Hydraulic Machines (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Earliest starting date: June 1st, 2024.

Summary:

A PhD opportunity is available at the Technology Platform for Hydraulic Machines at EPFL, Switzerland. Since its establishment in 1969, the PTMH (ptmh.epfl.ch) has been a hub for scientific excellence in hydraulic machine research and development, focusing on various aspects including performance validation, hydrodynamics, cavitation, hydro acoustics, numerical simulations, and advanced measurement techniques. This position, funded by a recent Horizon Europe project, aims to investigate the abrasion process in Pelton turbines induced by sediment-laden flows through 3D numerical simulations, analytical modeling, and field test data analysis. The study aims to explore fluid-structure interaction phenomena affecting turbine performance and durability, and to incorporate these findings into a control framework for optimization purposes.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated to participate in cutting-edge research, demonstrating both collaborative teamwork and independent initiative, with the following qualifications:

  • A Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy, or related fields with outstanding academic achievements.
  • Strong background in fluid mechanics and turbomachines.
  • Keen interest in hydropower and hydraulic turbomachines.
  • Proficiency in 3D numerical simulations, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: STI – PhD position in the Dynamic Quantum Materials Laboratory (DQML)(EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The Dynamic Quantum Materials Laboratory specializes in creating materials with properties that can be manipulated on a femtosecond time scale. By employing intense ultrashort laser pulses, they probe collective modes in solids, operating at fundamental timescales governing material dynamics. These light-matter hybrids offer insight into how order forms in quantum many-body systems.

Requirements:

Candidates should be highly motivated for cutting-edge experimental research, demonstrating both teamwork and independent initiative. A solid background in physics or materials, especially optics, quantum, and solid-state physics, is essential. Lab experience is advantageous, particularly in areas like laser optics, cryogenics, material characterization, data acquisition, or experiment control. Effective communication in English and programming skills are beneficial, with a key requirement being a willingness to learn and engage in challenging research.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: STI – PhD Position – Mid-IR Nanophotonics for Biosensing (BIOS) (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The BIOS laboratory at EPFL Switzerland, led by Prof. Hatice Altug, is seeking a motivated PhD student to develop advanced Mid-IR nanophotonic biosensors and bioimaging devices for applications in diagnostics and pharmaceutics. The research will focus on creating bioanalytical devices operating within the infrared spectrum, enabling chemical-specific detection of biomolecules and applications in disease research and drug discovery.

Requirements:

Candidates should hold a BS or MS degree in relevant fields with strong academic records and research experience. Desired qualifications include a background in optics, photonics, nanophotonics, and experience in optical instrumentation, nanofabrication, biosensors, and data analysis. Proficiency in programming and excellent communication skills are essential.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: STI – PhD. Student position in Terahertz integrated photonic circuits: fundamentals and systems (HYLAB) (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Start date: March 2024 or later

Work rate: 100%

Summary:

As a successful candidate in our young team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agile terahertz systems from photonics in our brand-new lab. You’ll be instrumental in transitioning these devices from the lab to real-world applications. Depending on your strengths and interests, you’ll be involved in various aspects of the experimental effort, including technical, fabrication, and conceptual tasks. In the lab, you’ll gain experience in optical technologies, ultrafast fiber lasers, and electro-optical transducers, contributing to measurement automation, sample characterization, and bridging terahertz science with photonic integrated platforms.

Requirements:

  • Strong interest in integrated photonics, high-frequency electronics, quantum metrology, and/or electro-optic transduction.
  • Knowledgeable in or willingness to learn Python, Matlab, Labview, Inventor, Illustrator, CST Microwave studio, and Comsol.
  • Hands-on attitude and a penchant for new challenges.
  • Enjoy collaborating with various scientific groups and taking on a leading role in international teams.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: STI – PhD student position available at the Laboratory for fundamental BioPhotonics (LBP) (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The Laboratory for Fundamental BioPhotonics (LBP) at EPFL, Switzerland, offers a PhD student position focused on investigating the structural complexity of ionic solutions in water. These solutions play critical roles in various biological and technological processes, yet their behavior remains incompletely understood. The project aims to disentangle this complexity by employing novel experimental nonlinear optical scattering and imaging methods.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and experimental skills, along with the ability to think creatively across disciplines. Suitable backgrounds include photonics, physics, physical chemistry/material science, or electrical engineering. Experience in ultrafast/nonlinear optics/microscopy is advantageous. The position offers excellent working conditions and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure within a dynamic and international research environment.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: STI – Two PhD Positions – Polymer Synthesis (LP) (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The Polymers Laboratory at EPFL is offering two PhD positions for a project focused on designing and synthesizing block copolymers to mimic the structure and properties of mussel-derived proteins. These positions are part of a larger, multidisciplinary project involving partners in Switzerland and Canada. The project aims to integrate expertise from biology, materials science, and polymer chemistry to develop strong and tough synthetic polymer materials inspired by nature.

Requirements:

Ideal candidates will have experience in polymer synthesis and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research. The project welcomes individuals with expertise in controlled polymerization techniques. The positions offer a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research in the development of synthetic polymer materials inspired by natural proteins.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: STI – 2 PhD positions in Interfacial Imaging of Water: New Light on Cellular Hydration (LBP) (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The Laboratory for Fundamental BioPhotonics (LBP) at EPFL, Switzerland, has two available PhD student positions focusing on investigating the role of water in biological systems. The project, part of the ERC Synergy Grant R2 tension collaboration between EPFL and the University of Geneva, aims to understand how osmotic pressure and cell membrane tension are regulated on a molecular level.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and possess strong analytical abilities, capable of innovative thinking. Suitable backgrounds include photonics, physics, chemistry/material science, electrical engineering, or bioengineering. Experience in nonlinear optics/microscopy, whether theoretical or experimental, is advantageous. The positions offer excellent working conditions and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure within a dynamic and international research environment.

More Details and apply.


Position Title: Position Title: STI – Two PhDs student positions in Interfacial Imaging of Water: New Light on Cellular Hydration (EPFL PhD)

Location: The Laboratory for fundamental BioPhotonics (LBP) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

Water is essential for life, intimately intertwined with our well-being. Its role in biological processes is fundamental, influencing cell functions, solubility of charged substances, self-assembly, and protein folding. This connection between water and life is evident when we quench our thirst. This research project, undertaken by the ERC Synergy Grant R2-Tension in collaboration between EPFL (Prof. S. Roke) and the University of Geneva (Prof. A. Roux), aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind regulating osmotic pressure and cell membrane tension.

Specifically, this part of the project at EPFL focuses on technology development and in vitro studies. The Roke lab has pioneered nonlinear optical imaging and ultrafast spectroscopic techniques, enabling real-time visualization of interfacial water and electrostatic potentials at membrane interfaces, both in model membranes and living cells. In this project, we will construct two new microscopes to (1) capture real-time images of interfacial water and electrostatic field lines on the interface and (2) monitor membrane tension in vitro and in living systems in real time. Additionally, we will provide a molecular ruler that correlates lipid molecular conformation with mechanical forces. Initially, this innovative technology will be applied to controlled in-vitro assays, with subsequent measurements conducted on living cells.

Requirements:

They seek a highly motivated candidate with strong analytical abilities who can think creatively and adapt to the interdisciplinary nature of this research. Backgrounds in photonics, physics, chemistry/material science, electrical engineering, or bioengineering are all relevant. Experience in nonlinear optics/microscopy, either theoretically or experimentally, would be a valuable asset. The position offers an excellent work environment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, international research community at the forefront of scientific exploration.

More Details and apply.


Available Fully Funded PhD at School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)

The ENAC (School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering) at EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) is a leading institution in education and research. Focused on architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sciences, ENAC offers interdisciplinary programs that address global challenges such as sustainable development, urbanization, and climate change. With state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse faculty, ENAC is committed to fostering innovation and excellence in the built environment and beyond.

Title: ENAC – PhD position in microbial one-carbon metabolisms and biotechnology (MICROBE) (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The Institute of Environmental Engineering at EPFL (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne) seeks a highly motivated PhD student to join their team for cutting-edge research in applied environmental microbiology. The selected candidate will delve into the physiology of microorganisms with one-carbon metabolisms, such as CO2 reduction and aerobic methane oxidation, and explore their biotechnological applications. This project, funded by the Swiss Science Foundation, offers an opportunity to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Requirements:

Candidates should hold an MS degree in environmental engineering and science, microbiology, chemical engineering, or a closely related field, with evidence of research success such as a Master thesis or project. Experience in microbial metabolism or molecular biology is beneficial.

Effective communication, reliability, organization, and respect for others are essential qualities for the candidate.

More Details and apply.


Title: ENAC – PhD Positions in Earthquake Engineering / Structural Engineering (EESD) (EPFL PhD)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

They are seeking PhD candidates to focus on testing and numerical modeling of stone masonry structures. The research will involve investigating various aspects related to the behavior and performance of these structures through experimentation and computational simulations.

Requirements:

  • Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in structural or civil engineering, with a solid background in structural mechanics and finite element simulations. Knowledge of masonry mechanics is advantageous. Strong programming skills are essential, along with proficiency in spoken and written English.

More Details and apply.


If you’re still in pursuit of the ideal position, we invite you to explore the upcoming opportunities featuring exciting PhD and Postdoc positions in Switzerland:


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