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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 Positions in Liquid-Gas Interfacial Transport Physics

Short description

Two PhD positions are available in Prof. Zhengmao Lu’s Energy Transport Advances Laboratory (ETA-LAB) at EPFL, Switzerland. At ETA-LAB (etalab.epfl.ch), we strive to obtain a deeper understanding of liquid-gas interfacial heat and mass transfer and create high-performance, low-carbon-emission energy and water technologies.

What we offer

  • Opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research on liquid–gas interfacial transport, with potential for both fundamental discoveries and broad technological impact
  • Access to advanced micro- and nanofabrication, microscopy, and spectroscopy facilities, along with expert training and guidance.
  • Close collaboration with world-class research groups at EPFL and internationally
  • Career mentorship, including support for conference participation and professional development toward careers in academia/industry
  • Competitive salaries set by EPFL (https://www.epfl.ch/campus/services/human-resources/basic-starting-salary-of-doctoral-assistants-and-postdocs/)

What we expect:

  • A master’s degree (or 4-year bachelor’s degree) in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, completed by the time of enrollment.
  • Interest and prior training in at least of one of the following areas: Raman spectroscopy, IR microscopy, general optics, and liquid-vapor phase change physics (experience in more than one is a plus).
  • Curiosity and enthusiasm for hands-on experimental work, including designing and building new setups.
  • Strong communication skills in English (both written and spoken), and the ability to work in a collaborative, international environment.

How to apply

Your application should contain (in one single PDF):

  • A motivation letter (up to one page).
  • A detailed CV
  • Contact details for 3 referees.

Besides submitting your application through the online platform, please feel free to contact Prof. Zhengmao Lu via email (zhengmao.lu@epfl.ch) with the subject line "PhD in ETA-LA - Your Name" if you have any question.

Additional Info

Start Date: by July 1, 2026 (negotiable)

Contract Type: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years.

 










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