Scientific Assistant in Bio-inspired Construction Materials

Mission

Contribution

The Materials in Transition (MATR) Lab at the School of ENAC, EPFL, is seeking a self-driven and inquisitive scientific assistant to start between August and October 2026, in the field of sustainable construction.

The research project explores how biological structures and mechanisms can inspire the development of next-generation natural materials and interfaces for sustainable construction. You will work closely with the MATR lab team to investigate novel material formulations, fabrication approaches, and characterisation methods to develop materials with tailored functional properties. The research will focus on understanding structure-property relationships and evaluating the potential of these materials for applications in the construction sector. The overarching goal of the project is to develop materials that deliver the required functional performance (e.g., mechanical, moisture management, durability, thermal performance) while promoting resource efficiency across multiple lifecycles.

MATR Lab

The incoming candidate will be part of a growing and dynamic research team at the MATR lab, led by Prof. Rebecca Hartwell, where we seek to:

• Integrate resilience into the design and application of construction materials in response to evolving socio-economic challenges, such as climate change, social equity, occupant health, and strategic independence in material supply-chains.
• Develop comprehensive digital assessment methods to evaluate whole-life material flows and their associated impact across sectors to inform policy and practice.
• Engineer whole-life adaptability at the product-scale through material science and design.

Profile

• Strong interest in emerging, interdisciplinary fields within architecture, material science, and biotechnology
• Strong analytical background and problem-solving abilities
• Confident to trial new experimental test methods
• Interest in conceptual design with a practical and hands-on mindset
• Familiar with the latest digital design and manufacturing processes
• Good scientific writing and communication skills
• Experience with one or more of the following is an asset: material science, material fabrication or prototyping, computational design
• Self-driven with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Fluency in English is essential [French would be an asset]
• For a scientific assistant position, a Master’s degree in architecture, material science, civil engineering, building engineering, industrial design, or a related field is required. Current Master’s students are also invited to apply for a research assistant position at a reduced FTE.

We offer

• World-class and international research and training environment with access to state-of-the art experimental facilities and a rich and vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community
• Competitive renumeration
• Opportunities to attend and present your work at international conferences
• Stimulating work environment based at the Smart Living Lab, EPFL Fribourg

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. Please apply by uploading a single PDF file that contains supporting information, including:

• Your CV, including grades and links to relevant publications, if applicable (max. 2 page)
• Brief motivation letter describing your research interests and experience (max. 1 page)
• Names and contact information of 2 references willing to provide a reference supporting your application

Important: Your application should demonstrate a genuine interest in the advertised topic or the broader research themes of the lab. We value original, personally written applications that reflect the applicant’s own thinking and voice.