PhD in Additive Manufacturing of Electrohydrodynamic Pumps

Mission

We are offering a joint full-time (100%) PhD Student at the Laboratory for the Chemistry of Materials and Manufacturing (ALCHEMY) and the Soft Transducers Laboratory (LMTS) at EPFL Neuchatel. The project will be on the additive manufacturing of EHD pumps. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) fiber pumps are flexible millimeter-diameter tubes that noiselessly generate fluid flow when a high voltage is applied. Such pumps enable untethered fluidically-driven soft or wearable robotics. The goals of this PhD are to: a) develop materials and methods for the additive manufacturing of mm- and micro-scale EHD pumps, b) understand the ultimate performance limits of EHD pumps exploiting the new geometries enabled by additive manufacturing and c) explore new applications of these EHD pumps.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

• Have full responsibility for your own dissertation
• Research in close collaboration with industry partners
• Experiment design and execution
• Analyze and interpret experimental results
• Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Present at international conferences
• Participate in education and supervise student projects

More specifically, within this project, you will:

• Develop materials and methods for the additive manufacturing of mm- and micro-scale EHD pumps
• Understand the ultimate performance limits of EHD pumps exploiting the new geometries enabled by additive manufacturing
• Explore new applications of these EHD pumps

Profile

•    A MSc degree in the Materials Science, Microengineering, or other relevant discipline
•    Experience with material characterization
•    Experience with device fabrication
•    Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)

We offer

•    4 years to complete your PhD with a competitive remuneration
•    You will be part of the EDMX, EDMI, or EDRS doctoral program
•    An opportunity to develop a scientific career in additive manufacturing and EHD pump technology
•    A world-class research and training environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities • 
•    A multi-cultural and stimulating work environment
•    A 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years 

Informations

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. EDMX, EMDI or EDRS.
Please check this page for additional information on admission.

Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.

Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered. 

Your application should contain:

•    A brief state of your past research experience and future goals (max 2 pages)
•    Your detailed CV
•    Contact information 
•    The names and contact information of 2 references willing to write a recommendation letter

Application deadline: 02/01/2026

 Contract Start Date: 05/01/2026

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: PhD Student

Duration: 1 year, renewable for 4 years

Reference: 1958