Postdoc PEMFC

Mission

We are offering a position as postdoctoral researcher in the Group of Energy Materials at EPFL, Sion. Our highly interdisciplinary Lab (20 FTE, 1/3rd PhD students, 1/3rd postdocs, 1/3rd engineers) is part of the EPFL Mechanical Engineering Institute and specialised since 30 years in fuel cell and electrolysers, both high temperature (>600C, solid oxide ceramics) and low temperature (<100 C, protonic and anionic exchange membrane polymers). Our fully equipped diagnostics lab mounts and investigates fuel cells / electrolysers, from components and single cells up to stacks and systems (1 – 50 kW), testing durability/performance and identifying degradation phenomena. Experimental work is assisted by modeling and simulation on different levels.

We are specifically looking for a postdoctoral researcher with experience (a PhD) in PEMFC modeling (cell/stack/system) and experimental testing and characterisation on cell and stack level. The work involves defining a detailed multi-physics dynamic model (e.g. COMSOL) of a PEMFC repeating unit extendable to a stack including electrochemal, thermal and mechanical aspects. The modeling work should be complemented with experimental testing / validation on cell and (short) stack level for which test equipment is available.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be expected to:

• take the lead and responsibility for your tasks
• integrate in the lab and interact openly with team members
• research in close collaboration with industrial and academic partners
• supervise student projects that support the research tasks
• write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• present at international conferences

More specifically, within this project, you will:

• develop or further elaborate a dynamic PEMFC multiphysics model allowing to evaluate different geometrical designs, pressure drops, water management, mechanical deformation
• model GDL structures for their optimisation, and experimentally analyze them e.g. using XCT
• explore alternative stack manifolding and evaluate pressurisation and sealing concepts (1-3 bars)
• mount and perform cell and stack testing, analyse and interpret results, including EIS
• participate in corrosion testing of bipolar plates and coatings (equipment available)
• participate in catalyst formulation and deposition (equipment available)
• participate in a dedicated EU Project in which this work is inscribed, which includes representation (frequent meetings) and reporting duties

Profile

• MSc degree in appropriate engineering discipline
• PhD specifically on the topic of PEMFC including detailed modeling and experimental work is a must
• Your own available model is a plus
• Willingness to work in COMSOL, (Open)modelica and learn also system level modeling
• Good communication skills and working as part of a team
• Enthusiasm, curiosity, motivation, reactivity, organizational skills, rigor in experimental work
• Very good command of English (French is a plus but not mandatory).

We offer

• Employment at a renowned institution ranked among the leaders in engineering and technology
• Support for professional development through training and continuous learning opportunities.
• Supportive and flexible work environment promoting work-life balance
• Language courses relevant to your role
• International multilingual working environment
• Discounts on public transport

Informations

Your application should contain:

• A motivation letter
• Your detailed CV
• Contact information

• Names and contact information of 2 or more references willing to write a recommendation letter

Application deadline: Feb 28th 2026
Contract Start Date: May 1st 2026 or as per mutual agreement

Activity Rate Min: 80%
Activity Rate Max: 100%
Contract Type: yearly basis, renewable.
Duration: 1 year minimum, 2 years likely. Extension dependent upon funding availability.

Reference : 2016