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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.

Postdoc in the Theory of Non-Equilibrium Chemical Reaction Networks

Mission

The National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR Genesis is a research infrastructure project funded by SNSF focussing on exploring the emergence of life in the Universe. This interdisciplinary research infrastructure brings together physicists, earth and planetary scientists, chemists and biologists to understand the conditions and the mechanisms that enable life to emerge. Developing reliable methods to detect reliable traces of life (biosignatures) – whether through remote sensing or direct onsite measurements – requires significant innovation. These challenges demand close collaboration across physics, biology, chemistry and the earth sciences. NCCR Genesis does not aim to provide answers in all fields, but to drive innovative research and achieve decisive progress.

Details on NCCR Genesis are available on its website https://nccr-genesis.ch.

NCCR Genesis is deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to cultivate a respectful and fair work culture with equal access to professional development and support for all. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Main duties and responsibilities

The project is conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory (https://pietrodeanna.org) at the University of Lausanne, led by Prof. Pietro de Anna, where the experimental work will be carried out, and with the Theoretical Chemistry group at ETH Zurich (https://reiher.ethz.ch), led by Prof. Markus Reiher, which will perform detailed quantum-chemical calculations of reaction rates.
The research will develop along two closely connected directions. First, the successful candidate will work directly with experimentalists to develop rigorous theoretical and computational frameworks for interpreting experimental results and generating testable predictions.

Second, they will investigate simplified and analytically tractable models aimed at identifying general principles governing non-equilibrium chemical reaction networks.

The position is primarily research-oriented. Contributions to teaching activities may be discussed, including the possibility of supervising Master’s students.

Profile

Applicants should have:
• a PhD in physics or related fields, completed or expected to be completed before
the starting date;
• a strong and demonstrated background in statistical mechanics;
• experience with both analytical and computational methods.
Experience with multiphysics simulation software, such as COMSOL or related opensource
or commercial packages, would be considered an asset.
Excellent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French is not necessary

We offer

  • A stimulating and international working environment
  • Competitive salary and excellent working conditions – more information can be found on our website (https://www.epfl.ch/campus/services/human-resources/en/basic-starting-salary-of-doctoral-assistants-and-postdocs/)
  • Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe.
  • Opportunity to interact with internationally renowned experts, and with a strong team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students

Informations

Applications should include:
1. a one-page motivation letter describing the applicant’s background, research
interests, and relevant experience;
2. a curriculum vitae;
3. contact information for one or two professional references.
The application documents should be submitted via
https://programs-recruiting.epfl.ch/position/49446915
Application deadline is September 15, 2026 but may remain open longer until the
position is filled.
Questions about the position may be addressed to Prof. Paolo De Los Rios at
paolo.delosrios@epfl.ch.

Applications for independent funding will be strongly encouraged and supported.

Contract Start Date : upon mutual agreement, but not earlier than 01.01.2027

Activity Rate : 100.00 

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year.

Reference: 2372 










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