Jurg Schiffmann

This PhD position is hosted at EPFL’s STI IGM LAMD in Neuchatel and is part of the TurboImpact project, a Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network focused on advancing the design, optimization, materials selection, and manufacturing of small-scale turbomachinery. The project addresses a broad set of technical challenges relevant to compact machines used in heat pumps, fuel cells, organic Rankine cycles, and gas turbines. Within this network, the doctoral researcher will contribute to research on multi-objective topology optimization, thermo-structural design, and robust component optimization for turbomachinery parts. The specific research agenda centers on understanding and improving the trade-off between structural integrity and heat-transfer resistance in turbomachinery components. The student will develop concepts for internal cooling of hollow hub and blade structures, and integrate these ideas into a design framework that can account for operating-condition variability and manufacturing uncertainty. The position sits within a larger network of 14 Doctoral Candidates working on complementary topics across European universities and research-intensive companies. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with industry partners, participate in experimental and analytical research, and be embedded in an international environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and supervision by recognized experts. The role also includes contributing to scientific publications, conference presentations, and research training activities as part of the wider doctoral network.