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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.

PhD - Engineering a Microfluidic Platform for Next-Generation Live-seq

About the lab and your mission

Deplancke Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics (EPFL)

 

The Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, led by Prof. Bart Deplancke, is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to contribute to the development of the next-generation Live-seq instrument, an advanced microfluidic platform that integrates droplet microfluidics with fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM) for continuous, high-throughput single-cell biopsy and live-cell transcriptomics.

 

Live-seq relies on FluidFM to extract minute quantities of cytoplasmic fluid from living cells for downstream high-sensitivity RNA sequencing, enabling non-destructive, spatio-temporal transcriptome profiling of single cells. Your work will help transition Live-seq from a low-throughput, operator-dependent method into a robust, automated, high-throughput technology with transformative applications in biology, medicine, and drug discovery.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

  • Have full responsibility for your own dissertation
  • Research in close collaboration with industry partners
  • Experiment design and execution
  • Analyze and interpret experimental results
  • Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
  • Present at international conferences
  • Participate in education and supervise student projects

 

More specifically, within this project, you will:

  • Design, assemble, and optimize a microfluidic module that integrates picoliter droplet microfluidics with next-generation MEMS nanofluidic cantilever probes for continuous cytoplasmic sampling using FluidFM.
  • Integrate this micro–nanofluidic module with MEMS cantilever probes from the Fantner lab and with the semi-automated FluidFM system, pressure-control units, and automated sample-dispensing stage developed by Cytosurge, creating a seamless operational platform.
  • Perform iterative testing, troubleshooting, and refinement to deliver a robust prototype suitable for routine biological experiments.
  • Conduct temporal Live-seq validation experiments using an established cell-differentiation model, benchmarking throughput, transcriptome quality, sensitivity, and overall system performance.
  • Document results, present findings to collaborators, and contribute to scientific publications.

Profile

  • A MSc degree
  • Background in bioengineering, mechanical or chemical engineering, biophysics, microfluidics/nanofluidics, or a related discipline.
  • Strong motivation to work at the interface of fluidics, instrumentation, system integration, and cutting-edge single-cell biology.
  • Prior experience with micro or nanofluidics and pressure-driven flow systems is strongly valued.
  • Organized, proactive, and comfortable working both independently and within a collaborative team.
  • Enthusiasm, scientific curiosity, eager to learn, good organizational skills, rigor in experimental work.
  • High level of motivation for academic research work.
  • Fluency in English is essential [French / German / Italian would be an asset].

We offer

  • Excellent working conditions in a multidisciplinary, world-class research environment.
  • Direct involvement in the development of a transformative single-cell technology.
  • A uniquely collaborative setting spanning the Deplancke lab (pioneers of Live-seq), the Fantner lab (leaders in MEMS probe engineering), and Cytosurge AG (developers of FluidFM).

Informations

 

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology and Bioengineering (EDBB) to qualify for a PhD at EPFL.
Please check this page for additional information on admission.

Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.

Your application should contain:

  • A motivation Letter
  • Your detailed CV
  • Contact information
  • The names and contact information of 3 references willing to write a recommendation letter

 

Application deadline: 15/02/2026

Contract Start Date: 01/04/2026

Activity Rate: 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Reference: 1941

 

For more information, please contact: orane.guillaume-gentil@epfl.ch










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