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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.

Microfluidic silicon print-head for multimaterial Melt-Electro-Writing

Mission

The microsystems laboratory (LMIS1) is looking for a Ph.D. student who is interested in microfabrication, microfluidics, 3D printing, and smart materials and who is motivated to address a new challenge: integrating microfluidic functions into Melt Electro-Writing (MEW) printheads. MEW is a novel additive manufacturing technique in which a polymer melt is extruded through a heated nozzle and further thinned by electro-hydrodynamic forces in a high-intensity electric field established between the nozzle and the print-bed. x-y print-bed motion allows the creation of controlled fiber patterns.

To further develop MEW, the project aims to embed microfluidics operations such as fast-switching, sheath flows and micromixers, directly inside the print heads.  This will allow multi-material printing and open the way to new applications. Silicon microfabrication will be one of the core technologies used in this work, as silicon is known to have a high thermal conductivity, fluidic channels can be easily microfabricated in silicon, as well as heaters or temperature sensors.

LMIS1 has already developed process flows for fabricating silicon-silicon and silicon-glass nozzles. The current MEW platform has been adapted for single-inlet silicon printheads. The next step is to extend it to dual-inlet nozzles and to implement microfluidic functions. Previous projects have produced promising results and will allow the candidate to quickly engage with both experimental and modeling work.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Design, manufacture, test, and characterize microfluidic systems. The fabrication will be carried out in the CMi cleanrooms at EPFL.
  • Integrate microfluidics in Melt Electro Writing machines.
  • Study multi-material printing with the developed machine.

Profile

Master in microengineering, mechanics, or materials science.

Strong experimental skills and a practical and hands-on mindset.

Interest in microfluidics and 3D printing.

Prior experience in cleanroom processing is a plus

Motivation for multidisciplinary research

Creative and enthusiastic

We offer

  • Competitive remuneration;
  • You will be part of the Doctoral Program in Microsystems and Microelectronics EDMI;
  • A world-class research and training environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities;
  • A multi-cultural and stimulating work environment;
  • Term of employment: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years.
  • An opportunity to work on a cutting-edge project.
  • EPFL is an international and world-class engineering institution that hosts state-of-the-art experimental facilities, and a rich and vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community.

Informations

Your application should contain:

  • Motivation Letter
  • Detailed CV
  • Contact information
  • At least 2 references willing to write a recommendation letter
  • Application deadline: 30th September 2025
    For more information, please contact: juergen.brugger@epfl.ch


If you are successful, you will need to enroll in one of the EPFL doctoral school programs. Please check this page for additional information. Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.


Contract Start Date : October 2025

Activity Rate : 100%

Contract Type : CDD

Duration : 1 year, renewable

Reference : 1741










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