PhD Position in Aerodynamic Design of Small-Scale Turbomachinery École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland

EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) is advertising a PhD position in Aerodynamic Design of Small-Scale Turbomachinery within the TurboImpact project, funded by Horizon Europe – MSCA Doctoral Network. The position is based at EPFL, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, and focuses on advanced research in turbomachinery aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and materials/manufacturing-aware design.

The doctoral research will investigate how material properties, surface finish, and geometric tolerances influence the aerodynamic performance of small-scale turbomachinery. The project combines aeromechanical design, experimental validation, manufacturing constraints, and component testing, with attention to conventional and ceramic turbocompressor components. The broader network includes 14 doctoral candidates and collaborations with European universities and research-intensive industry partners.

This opportunity is well suited to applicants with a strong background in mechanical engineering, materials science, or closely related fields. The advertisement specifically asks for competence in fluid dynamics, turbomachinery aerodynamics, aeromechanical design, CFD/FEA, ceramics and metals/alloys, surface engineering, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and experimental methods such as instrumentation, data acquisition, uncertainty analysis, and measurement validation.

Eligibility follows the MSCA mobility rule: applicants must not have lived or carried out their main activity in the hiring country for more than 12 months in the last 36 months before recruitment. Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree. A two-year master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, or an equivalent qualification is required.

Funding is comprehensive under MSCA-DN rules and includes a competitive salary, mobility allowance, family allowance where applicable, full social security coverage, and paid leave. The appointment lasts 3 years, starting on 1 February 2027 or by mutual agreement.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026 at 23:59. Applicants must submit one PDF containing a motivation letter, CV, grade transcripts, BSc and MSc diplomas, a copy of the BSc thesis, a copy of the MSc thesis, and names of three referees. Applications are submitted through the EPFL careers portal, and shortlisted candidates will later need to apply separately to an EPFL Doctoral Program for PhD admission.