Summary
EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the biomineralization of digitally fabricated granular materials within the Laloui Group. The research project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), is carried out in close collaboration with ETH Zurich to investigate biologically driven mineral precipitation for sustainable digital construction.
Position Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher |
| Host Institution | EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) |
| Research Group | Laloui Group (in collaboration with ETH Zurich) |
| Project Title | DFabuLis: Digital Fabrication Using Living Systems |
| Research Area | Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Biogeomechanics, Digital Fabrication |
| Employment Type | Full-time (100%), 1-year renewable contract |
| Location | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled |
Designation
PhD Student (100% full-time doctoral position).
Research Area
The position lies at the intersection of geomaterials, civil engineering, biogeochemical engineering, and digital fabrication (including extrusion 3D printing and robotic spraying). The research explores how microbially induced mineral precipitation can convert excavation and demolition waste into structural materials under ambient conditions.
Location
EPFL Campus, Lausanne, Switzerland (with joint collaboration activities at ETH Zurich).
Scholarship / Position Description
The successful candidate will join the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)-funded project “DFabuLis: Digital Fabrication Using Living Systems”, co-led by Dr. Dimitrios Terzis (EPFL) and Prof. Benjamin Dillenburger (ETH Zurich). This doctoral research aims to investigate the coupled biogeochemical, rheological, and mechanical mechanisms driving particle deposition, mineral precipitation, and material hardening.
Key responsibilities include:
- Investigating the rheological properties and processability of granular systems (yield stress, thixotropy, viscosity, and particle interactions).
- Analyzing microbial activity and biologically driven mineral precipitation over space and time.
- Determining the mechanical hardening and structural performance of biomineralized materials.
- Collaborating directly with the digital fabrication team at ETH Zurich to apply findings to 3D printing and robotic spraying.
- Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at international conferences.
- Assisting in teaching activities and supervising student projects.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Solid foundation in mechanics, strength of materials, or materials science applied to the built environment.
- Prior experience in rheology, geomechanics, cementitious/granular materials, mineralogy, or experimental chemistry is advantageous.
- Enthusiasm for cross-disciplinary research connecting experimental laboratory work with robotic fabrication.
- High level of rigor, self-motivation, and excellent organizational abilities.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit their application online through the EPFL recruitment portal. The application dossier should include:
- A detailed Motivation Letter.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact information.
- Names and contact information of three academic/professional references.
Note: Shortlisted applicants must also apply and gain admission to the EPFL Doctoral Program in Mechanics (EDME) to fulfill formal university doctoral registration requirements.
Last Date for Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early application is strongly recommended.
Apply Link
To view the official call and submit your application, visit: EPFL Official Career Portal – PhD Position (Ref: 2538)
