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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 River Engineering and Hydrokinetic Energy

Mission

The Sustainable River Engineering, Energy, and Morphodynamics (STREEM) Lab at EPFL, led by Prof. Mirko Musa, is seeking highly motivated PhD students to conduct research at the intersection of hydrokinetic energy, river engineering, and fluvial morphodynamics. At STREEM, we investigate the interactions between water power technologies (e.g., hydrokinetic turbines and hydropower) and river geomorphology through experimental hydraulics and data analysis, with future expansion into numerical modeling.

 

This PhD project focuses on the feasibility of placing hydrokinetic turbines in river meanders, where flow acceleration could enhance energy extraction. Unlike conventional hydropower, hydrokinetic turbines generate electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water without the need for dams, much like wind turbines capture wind energy. This technology has the potential to provide localized, continuous energy, particularly benefiting remote and underserved regions. The research will examine turbine-flow interactions in river bends, analyzing their impact on the complex flow structures and morphodynamics.

 

The research will be initially conducted experimentally at EPFL’s Platform for Hydraulic Constructions (P-LCH), where PhD students will:

  • Work with unique hydraulic channels and physical models
  • Utilize state-of-the-art flow visualization techniques and high-resolution topographic scanning

Motivated students will also have the opportunity to explore numerical application to support and expand their experimental evidence.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

  • Perform research in sustainable river hydraulics and renewable energy under the guidance of Prof. Musa
  • Have full responsibility for your own dissertation
  • Experimental design and execution
  • Analyze and interpret experimental results
  • Lead and contribute to academic publications in scientific journals and present at conferences
  • Completion of coursework as required by the doctoral program
  • Contribute to broad Lab activities, including co-supervision of MSc students and teaching assistance.

Profile

  • Strong interest in hydraulic engineering, fluid mechanics, river geomorphology, and renewable energy
  • Some knowledge of data analysis and computer programming (e.g., MATLAB and Python) and willingness to develop those skills further
  • Experience with experimental methods and/or numerical modeling is a plus but not required
  • Self-motivated and ability to work independently as well as in a team
  • Creative, enthusiastic, and willing to learn new things.
  • Strong English writing and oral communication and willing to develop these skills further in an academic context
  • Experience with academic research and publication is a plus

We offer

  • World-class and international learning/working environment at EPFL main campus and at the internationally renowned Platform for Hydraulic Constructions (P-LCH)
  • Competitive salary and excellent educational conditions
  • Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe.
  • Opportunity to perform hands-on activities, interfacing both experimental work and data analysis
  • Opportunities to attend and present work at international conferences

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. Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE) and/or in Mechanics (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.

 

For the application via the EPFL recruiting platform, please submit:

  • a brief motivation letter (max 2 pages) with your interests and qualifications
  • your detailed CV with a publication list (if applicable) and your contact information
  • your bachelor and master curriculum with grades
  • The names and contact information of 3 references willing to write a recommendation letter

Please ensure to submit as well an application to the Doctoral Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE) before April 30 or in Mechanics (EDME) before April 15. Only applicants admitted to EDCE and/or EDME can be considered for this position.

Start date: as soon as possible

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Prof. Mirko Musa (mirko.musa@epfl.ch). No applications sent to this address shall be considered.

 

Contract Start Date:

Activity Rate Min: 100.00

Activity Rate Max: 100.00

Contract Type: PhD Student

Duration: 4 years

Reference: 1478










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