Herbert Shea

The Laboratory for the Chemistry of Materials and Manufacturing (ALCHEMY) and the Soft Transducers Laboratory (LMTS) at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) are offering a fully funded joint PhD position focused on the additive manufacturing of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumps. The research will be conducted at EPFL Neuchâtel under the supervision of Prof. Daryl Yee and Prof. Herbert Shea. The project centers on developing materials and methods for the additive manufacturing of millimeter- and micro-scale EHD fiber pumps, which are flexible tubes generating fluid flow when a high voltage is applied. These pumps enable untethered fluidically-driven soft or wearable robotics. Research goals include: (a) developing new manufacturing techniques for EHD pumps, (b) understanding performance limits using new geometries, and (c) exploring novel applications for these pumps. Applicants should have an MSc in Materials Science, Microengineering, or a related field, with experience in material characterization and device fabrication. Strong English communication skills are required. Priority will be given to candidates with expertise in soft robotics or two-photon polymerization. The position is fully funded for 4 years, with a preferred start date of April/May 2026. To apply, candidates must contact Prof. Daryl Yee at [email protected], using the subject '2025-ALCH-LMTS: Your Name', and attach a CV and a brief statement (max 2 pages) outlining past research experiences and future research interests. Applications not adhering to these instructions or lacking relevant experience will not be considered. Review of applications begins immediately. For more information, visit the ALCHEMY lab website or contact Prof. Daryl Yee or Prof. Herbert Shea. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in additive manufacturing, materials science, microengineering, soft robotics, and advanced polymer science.