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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Post-doc Ventilation and Air Quality in Detention Facilities

Mission

The Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab (HOBEL) at EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar to lead research on evaluating and enhancing ventilation and air quality in detention facilities, in collaboration with International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC, Geneva). The position is based at EPFL’s Fribourg campus, with full access to research infrastructure on both the Fribourg and Lausanne campuses.

This position is ideally suited for a candidate who is passionate about advancing understanding of indoor environments and human exposure, and who thrives in an interdisciplinary, collaborative setting. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of building science and environmental health — designing and analyzing field studies, integrating sensor-based measurements into models, and leveraging data to address high-impact research questions.

Main duties and responsibilities

 

  • Lead field investigations of indoor air quality and ventilation conditions in selected detention facilities in developing countries (e.g., in Burkina Faso and the Philippines)
  • Develop hybrid approaches to measure and model airflow and airborne disease transmission in spaces with limited access
  • Improve access to fresh air and indoor environmental conditions there through practical, low-cost architectural and engineering interventions
  • Collaborate closely with humanitarian experts at the ICRC to scale up the solutions for detention facilities of various designs and climates globally
  • Engage in effective project coordination, communication with collaborators, and possibly mentoring junior researchers
  • Contribute to the lab’s dissemination and outreach efforts
  • Contribute to the lab’s teaching, if desired

Profile

We are seeking an independent and highly motivated researcher who meets the following criteria:

  • A PhD (or near completion) in Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, or Architectural Engineering, or a related field
  • Strong expertise in indoor air quality, ventilation, or related aspects of building environmental science
  • Adequate experience working in the field with air quality sensors
  • Knowledge and basic skills in airflow and contaminant simulation (such as CFD, CONTAM).
  • Exceptional communication, teamwork, and project management abilities, with the ability to engage with diverse collaborators and stakeholders
  • A track record of scientific publications in reputable journals
  • Fluency in English (spoken and written)
  • Passion for humanitarian work and willingness to travel to the detention facility sites

We offer

 

  • Start date: January 2026 or earlier
  • Duration: Multi-year position (minimum 2 years), with annual contracts
  • Review of applications: Ongoing until the position is filled
  • Salary: Highly competitive at the European and international level
  • The successful candidate will have access to world-class research infrastructure, opportunities to lead and co-author high-impact publications, and a unique chance to collaborate closely with humanitarian experts at the ICRC

Informations

To apply, please use Apply now to submit the following:

  • A cover letter (max. 2 pages) briefly describing your research experience, how your background aligns with this opportunity, and your research interests
  • A full CV including GPA and list of publications
  • Contact details for three references (name, affiliation, e-mail)

For more information about EPFL, see: https://www.epfl.ch/en/

For more information about HOBEL, see: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/hobel/

For more information about Dr. Bowen Du, see: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bowen-du-ba260192/

For more information about Prof. Dusan Licina, see: https://people.epfl.ch/dusan.licina

 

Contact

Dr. Bowen Du, bowen.du@epfl.ch

Prof. Dusan Licina, dusan.licina@epfl.ch

(applications through email will NOT be considered).

 

 










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