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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.

Postdoc in Assessment and Adaptation of Building Components for Extended Service Lifespans

Mission

Contribution

The Materials in Transition (MATR) Lab at the School of ENAC, EPFL, is seeking a self-driven and inquisitive post-doctoral researcher to start between August and October 2026, in the field of sustainable construction. The research integrates dynamic material value-chain analyses, ownership models, technical performance assessment, and design-for-disassembly strategies to support the reuse and adaptation of building components.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Analysis and synthesis of existing research on material value chains and building stock inventories to quantify the adaptation potential of construction elements
  • Investigations into building ownership models that support the reuse of building elements
  • Identification and analysis of underlying mechanisms for deterioration in building envelope performance
  • Development of standardised test protocols for non-destructive assessment of building envelope elements
  • Support for ongoing practical research on design for disassembly and engineered reversible connection systems

MATR Lab

The incoming candidate will be part of a growing and dynamic research team at the MATR lab, led by Prof. Rebecca Hartwell, where we seek to:

  • Integrate resilience into the design and application of construction materials in response to evolving socio-economic challenges, such as climate change, social equity, occupant health, and strategic independence in material supply-chains.
  • Develop comprehensive digital assessment methods to evaluate whole-life material flows and their associated impact across sectors to inform policy and practice.
  • Engineer whole-life adaptability at the product-scale through material science and design.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a research collaborator, you will be expected to:

  • Conduct cutting-edge research including experimental design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination;
  • Research in collaboration with academic partners and international collaborators;
  • Lead and contribute to scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
  • Support in funding acquisition;
  • Contribute to laboratory activities, including PhD and Master student supervision and teaching assistance.

Profile

  • PhD in architecture, civil engineering, building technology, material science or a related discipline. Candidates without a PhD but with equivalent research experience and expertise may also be considered for an alternative appointment as a scientific assistant
  • Strong interest in emerging, interdisciplinary fields within architecture and material science
  • Knowledge of building construction methods, materials, architectural design principles, and building lifecycle processes
  • Hands-on experience in laboratory environment
  • Creative and eager to explore and develop new methodological approaches
  • Experience with quantitative research methods with a strong interest in contributing to both the conceptual and empirical dimensions of research
  • Proficient in, or willing to learn, programming languages (e.g. MATLAB, Python, R)
  • Experience with one or more of the following is an asset: building technology, LCA methods, computational design, structural design, material testing & characterisation, fabrication or prototyping
  • Experience in building energy performance simulations is a plus
  • Ability to communicate with researchers from different disciplines
  • Self-driven with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Fluency in English is essential [French would be an asset]

We offer

  • World-class and international research and training environment with access to state-of-the art experimental facilities and a rich and vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community
  • Competitive renumeration
  • International collaboration and visiting opportunities through an excellent network of collaborations with industrial stakeholders and leading international universities.
  • Stimulating work environment based at the Smart Living Lab, EPFL Fribourg

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. You are asked to provide:

  • Your detailed CV (including grades and links to relevant publications, if applicable)
  • Brief motivation letter and research statement describing your research interests and experience (max. 2 pages)
  • Names and contact information of 2-3 referees willing to provide a reference supporting your application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The expected starting date is flexible and can be discussed. For more information, please contact: Prof. Rebecca Hartwell (rebecca.hartwell@epfl.ch).

Contract Start Date : 09/01/2026 

Activity Rate Min : 40.00 

Activity Rate Max : 60.00 

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 6 months, renewable 

Reference: 2319 










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