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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 in Mechanics of Soft and Biological Matter Laboratory

Mission

We are offering a challenging position as a full-time (100%) PhD Student at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering at EPFL, Lausanne. Our Lab endeavours to study problems broadly in the field of biomechanics, biophysics and soft condensed matter physics. Our work encompasses a wide range of research questions, including but not limited to the following:

 

  • Embryonic development
  • Tissue morphogenesis
  • Structures and mechanics of soft materials
  • Inherent structures of amorphous materials
  • Non-equilibrium dynamics of active matter

 

You will be working on the theoretical modelling of living multicellular systems, including embryonic tissues and bacteria aggregates. Our work involves developing a general theoretical framework, taking into account key features at cellular and subcellular scales to understand emergent properties at tissue scale. We investigate how multicellular systems actively regulate their cellular and subcellular properties to achieve desired structures, emergent dynamics and mechanical states, including phase transition behaviours that play a crucial role in embryonic development and tissue morphogenesis.

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
  • Analyse and interpret experimental results
  • Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
  • Present at international conferences
  • Participate in education and supervise student projects

Profile

  • A MSc degree in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Biology
  • Demonstrated excellence and previous research experience in analytic modelling, numerical methods
  • Strong background in Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics
  • Previous simulation experiences on discrete element modelling are preferred
  • Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken)
  • A self-driven individual with an open mind and a willingness to explore new fields

We offer

  • 4 years to complete your PhD with a competitive remuneration
  • You will be part of the doctoral programme mechanics or physics
  • An opportunity to develop a scientific career in the mechanics of soft and biological matter
  • A world-class research and training environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities
  • A multi-cultural and stimulating work environment
  • A 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered.

 

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.
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:

 

  • Motivation Letter
  • Detailed CV
  • Contact information
  • Name and contact information of 3 references willing to write a recommendation letter

 

Contract Start Date : September 1st, but earlier is possible

Activity Rate Min : 100%

Contract Type : CDD

Duration : 1 year, renewable

Reference : 1454

 

For more information, please contact: sangwoo.kim@epfl.ch

 










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