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- HEAD lab

Mission

We are offering a challenging position as a full-time (100%) PhD Student at  Mechanical Engineering Department EPFL, Lausanne.

 

Our lab focuses on numerical simulation and stability analysis on rotating flow and fluids dynamics linked to hydropower. You will be working on the project resolvent based flow analysis whose goal is to describe the flow dynamics of turbine and control. 

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

 

  • Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
  • Present at international conferences
  • Supervise student projects and basic administrative support

 

More specifically, within this project, you will:

 

  • Work on CFD modelling of turbine flow
  • Perform a stability analysis on rotating instability
  • Develop and implement advanced numerical methods in-house code
  • Possibility of conducting experiments for validation purposes in collaboration with test platform scientists

Profile

  • A MSc degree in the fields of Mechanical Engineering/Aerospace Engineering/Applied Mathematics
  • Fluids dynamics and CFD tools
  • Programming languages
  • Good communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team

We offer

  • 4 years to complete your PhD with a competitive remuneration
  • An opportunity to develop a scientific career in both industry and academic
  • A world-class research and training environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities
  • A multi-cultural and stimulating work environments

 

Informations

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. EDME. 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: 31/12/2025

 

Contract Start Date: 01/01/2026

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Reference: 1706