Job Description

Mission

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, stimuli-responsiveness, and therapeutics delivery, enabling interactive communication with biology. The dropletronic system will be formed from

three-dimensionally (3D) printed picoliter droplet networks

, which use lipid bilayer, functional nanopores, and charge-selective solutes to feature sophisticated ion control.

For the PhD positions starting in

January 2026

, we are seeking 1-2 candidates with experience in 3D printing, microfluidics, microfabrication, stimulus-responsive soft materials, and bioengineering. Candidates should be interested in emerging, interdisciplinary fields and be motivated to address new challenges, including the development of (1) voxelated, multimaterial printing systems, (2) iontronic device and system design, and (3) organoid interfaces.

Group website:

https://www.epfl.ch/labs/bion/

Group leader:

Prof. Yujia Zhang

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

Prior experience in cleanroom manufacturing and biological experiments is a plus

MSc in microengineering, materials science, electronics engineering or bioengineering 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)

We offer

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. International collaboration and visiting opportunities 4 years to complete your PhD with a competitive remuneration Term of employment: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years

Informations

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:

1st December 2025

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: EDMI, EDBB, EDMX or EDAM.

Date d'entree en fonction : 01/15/2026

Taux d'occupation : 100,00

Type de contrat : PhD Student

Duree : 1 Year Renewable

Reference :1799