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.

Postdoctoral researcher in hydrogel acoustic metamaterials

Job description

For the 1 postdoc position starting between 2026 fall and 2027 spring, we are seeking a candidate with experience in microfluidics, microfabrication, stimulus-responsive hydrogels, ultrasonics and acoustic metamaterials (acoustic crystals). The candidate should have solid experience in the development of hydrogel acoustic metamaterials.

 

We also welcome and can host candidates to apply for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026/2027.

 

Group leader and Research mission: Prof. Yujia Zhang

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.

Profile

    • PhD in materials science, microengineering, or bioengineering;
    • Experience with polymer characterisation and ultrasonics is required;
    • More than 2 peer-reviewed publications;
    • Prior experience in cleanroom manufacturing and iontronics is a plus;
    • 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.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

As a postdoc, you will be expected to:

    • Have full responsibility for your own research;
    • 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.

We offer

    • Term of employment: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable
    • Competitive remuneration;
    • International collaboration and visiting opportunities;
    • 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.

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 3 references willing to write recommendation letters and their contact information
    • Application deadline: 25 September 2026

 

Contract Earliest Start Date: late 2026, flexible

Activity Rate: 100%

Contract Type: CDD

Reference: 2356