Mission

For the 1 PhD position starting in 2026 summer (flexible), we are seeking a candidate with experience in iontronic materials. Examples include stimuli-responsive soft materials, biomaterials, hydrogels, organogels, organohydrogels, conductive polymers, ionic elastomers, and ionic liquids, among others. The candidate should be interested in emerging, interdisciplinary fields and be motivated to address new challenges, including the development of (1) iontronic devices, (2) soft material manufacturing, and (3) biointerfaces.

Group leader and Research mission: Prof. Yujia Zhang

At the Laboratory for Bio-Iontronics (BION), our mission is to make bioiontronic systems for biointerfaces and hybrid intelligent systems. To that end, we are interested in developing droplet-based iontronic systems, termed dropletronics, with key functions of embodied energy, logic control, stimulus responsiveness, and therapeutic delivery, enabling interactive communication with biology. The dropletronic system will be formed from three-dimensionally (3D) printed picoliter droplet networks that use lipid bilayers, functional nanopores, and charge-selective solutes to enable sophisticated ion control.

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 other lab members and international collaborators;
• Experiment design and execution;
• Analyse and interpret experimental results;
• Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Present at international conferences;
• Supervise student projects and basic administrative support.

Profile

• MSc in materials science, microengineering, or bioengineering;
• Experience with polymer characterisation is required;
• Prior experience in cleanroom manufacturing and 3D printing is a plus;
• Strong experimental skills and a practical and hands-on mindset;
• High level of motivation for interdisciplinary academic research;
• Independent, self-driven, creative, solution-oriented, open-minded, team-player, and collaborative;
• Fluency in English (French is a plus);
• Enthusiasm in sports is a plus.

We offer

• 4 years to complete your PhD with a competitive remuneration;
• International collaboration and visiting opportunities;
• EPFL is an international and world-class engineering institution that hosts state-of-the-art experimental facilities and a rich and vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community;
• Term of employment: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years.

Information

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

• Motivation Letter
• Detailed CV
• At least 2 references willing to write recommendation letters and their contact information
• Application deadline: 02 March 2026

If you are successful, you will need to enrol in one of the EPFL doctoral school programs. Please check this page for additional information. Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL. Potential doctoral program for this position: EDMX, EDMI, EDBB, or EDAM;

Contract Earliest Start Date: 2026 Spring to Summer, flexible

Activity Rate: 100%

Contract Type: PhD Student

Duration: 1 year, renewable for 4 years

Reference: 2024