Sustainability Engineer
Mission
Laboratory of Semiconductor Materials (LMSC) at EPFL Switzerland (headed by Prof. Anna Fontcuberta i Morral) is looking for a motivated engineer to work on the implementation of measures at the laboratory scale to reduce the carbon footprint resulting from the research activities of the group.
The candidate will be embedded in a highly dynamic and intellectually vibrant team, constantly exploring strategies to successfully merge academic excellence and sustainable practices. Being a well-established laboratory, LMSC is looking for an exceptional candidate willing to contribute to this mission.
Since few years LMSC has the bronze LEAF certificate. In collaboration with sustainability project managers at STI and SB, LMSC is currently working to achieve the LEAF Silver certificate. We expect that the candidate will enable to assess what is needed to obtain the LEAF Gold certificate.
Main duties and responsibilities
As a Sustainability Engineer, you will be responsible for implementing and overseeing what initiatives can be performed to increase sustainability of our reserach. You are expected to collaborate with group members currently promoting actions in the framework of LEAF certification (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/sustainable/take-action/staff-action/leaf-laboratory-efficiency-assessment-framework).
Your role will involve assessing environmental impacts, reducing resource consumption and driving sustainable practices by optimizing management and operational processes. We expect the candidate to define protocols and actions aiming at maximizing materials and energy efficiencies, reduce waste and environment impact (direct and indirect) of the lab activities without compromising on the quality standards.
In particular the candidate will be required to:
• Collaborate with group members and professionals from different fields
• Communicate and propose measures to ensure sharing and reuse of equipment
• Comprehensively understand complex issues to solve problems holistically
• Strategize with group members to create plans that meet sustainability goals
• Identify and propose mitigation of sustainability risks
• Ensuring designs meet required objectives, laws and standards
• Update regularly the group about the latest environmental assessments and building practices
Profile
The candidate is expected to hold a master’s degree in environmental sciences and engineering or related fields. Participation to transdisciplinary environmental programmes is a plus.
Following qualifications are desired, although we don’t expect having experience in all of them :
• Internships or research experience in academic institution or research center
• Hands-on experience in optical microscopy, spectroscopy and optical/electronic instrumentation and chemical labs.
• Analytical skills to collect, process and interpret data
• Basic notions of IT service
• Critical thinking skills
• Communication skills, especially technical writing and oral presentation
• Reading comprehension skills
• Fluent in English (both written and spoken) and excellent interpersonal skills. Fluency in French is a plus
• Independent, self-driven, creative, solution-oriented, open-minded, team-player & collaborative
We offer
• Opportunity to work in a lab at the forefront of academic sustainability and to pioneer a model for sustainable research practices.
• Opportunity to access state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratory resources.
• Opportunity to disseminate results in collaboration with EPFL Institutes and Schools.
• EPFL is an international and top ranking engineering university. It offers a dynamic, stimulating, interdisciplinary, international and friendly working environment, a broad range of scientific training and networking events and also hosts a vibrant entrepreneurial community.
• EPFL is an equal-opportunity employer. Candidates will be recruited based on merit.
Informations
Keywords: Sustainability, Reduced carbon emission, research activities, lab practice
Group website: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lmsc/
Group leader: Prof. Anna Fontcuberta iMorral
Contact: Dr Valerio Piazza
Contract Start Date : 01.05.2025 or as soon as possible
Activity Rate Min : 60%
Activity Rate Max : 100%
Contract Type: CDD
Duration: 1 Year
Application:
Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered.
Please apply by uploading a single pdf file containing supporting information such as cover letter, CV, transcript, and contact details of at least two referees.