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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 position-3D hydrogel droplet printing for iontronic biointerfaces

Mission

At the Laboratory for Bio-Iontronics (BION), our mission is to make bioiontronic systems for biointerfaces and hybrid intelligent systems.

To that end, we are interested in developing droplet-based iontronic systems, termed dropletronics, with key functions of embodied energy, logic control, stimulus responsiveness, and therapeutic delivery, enabling interactive communication with biology. The dropletronic system will be formed from three-dimensionally (3D) printed picoliter droplet networks that use lipid bilayers, functional nanopores, and charge-selective solutes to enable sophisticated ion control.

For the 1 PhD position starting in 2026 spring (flexible), we are seeking a candidate with experience in 3D printing, microfluidics, microfabrication, and stimuli-responsive soft materials. The candidate should be interested in emerging, interdisciplinary fields and be motivated to address new challenges, including the development of (1) voxelated, soft material printing systems and (2) hydrogel biointerfaces.

 

Group leader and website: Prof. Yujia Zhang; https://www.epfl.ch/labs/bion/

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 other lab members and international collaborators;
  • Experiment design and execution;
  • Analyse and interpret experimental results;
  • Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
  • Present at international conferences;
  • Supervise student projects and basic administrative support;

Profile

 Prior experience in cleanroom manufacturing and 3D printing is a plus;

  • MSc in microengineering, materials science, electronics engineering, or bioengineering;
  • Strong experimental skills and a practical and hands-on mindset;
  • High level of motivation for interdisciplinary academic research;
  • Independent, self-driven, creative, solution-oriented, open-minded, team-player, and collaborative;
  • Fluency in English (French is a plus);
  • Enthusiasm in sports is a plus.

We offer

  • EPFL is an international and world-class engineering institution that hosts state-of-the-art experimental facilities and a rich and vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community.
  • International collaboration and visiting opportunities;
  • 4 years to complete your PhD with a competitive remuneration;
  • Term of employment: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years.

Information

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. Please apply by uploading a single PDF file that contains supporting information, including:

  • Motivation Letter
  • Detailed CV
  • At least 2 references willing to write recommendation letters and their contact information
  • Application deadline: 9th January 2026

 

If you are successful, you will need to enrol in one of the EPFL doctoral school programs. Please check this page for additional information. Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL. Potential doctoral program for this position: EDMI, EDBB, EDMX, or EDAM.

 

Contract Earliest Start Date: 2026 Spring, flexible

Activity Rate: 100%

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, renewable

Reference: 1921

 










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