PhD position in Aerodynamic Design of Small-Scale Turbomachinery

Offer Description

The TurboImpact project, funded by Horizon Europe – MSCA-DN, tackles challenges in designing, optimizing, selecting materials, and manufacturing small-scale turbomachinery for applications in heat pumps, fuel cells, organic Rankine cycles, or gas turbines.

This project develops robust system and component design methods, an integrated manufacturing platform, and multi-material joining techniques to efficiently produce small-scale turbomachinery.

The goal will be achieved by establishing a network of 14 Doctoral Candidates (DC) working in synergy on complementary topics and supported by highly qualified supervisors from European universities and research-intensive European companies.

In this project you will: conduct research into how material properties, surface finish, and geometric tolerances affect the aerodynamic performance of small-scale turbomachinery, with a focus on understanding how degrees of design freedom related to manufacturing and material properties influence overall performance outcomes. Building on these insights, identify ideal aeromechanical turbomachinery designs that exploit new materials and manufacturing processes, and validate these findings through experimental comparisons of conventional and ceramic turbocompressor components manufactured using the novel processes developed.

Successful candidates will:

• be enrolled in a PhD programme,
• conduct research in a stimulating international environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and supervision by recognised experts,
• participate in local and network-wide training activities aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and transferable skills,
• attend workshops and international conferences relevant to their research topic,
• undertake secondments of approximately 4–6 months at other network or associated partner institutions.

Where to apply

• E-mail: enrica.tagliamonte@epfl.ch
• Website: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lamd/

Requirements

• Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Strong background in fluid dynamics fundamentals, turbomachinery aerodynamics, aeromechanical design principles, experience with CFD & FEA.
• Materials science, particularly properties of ceramics and conventional metals/alloys, manufacturing processes, surface engineering and its effect on flow behavior, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Experience with turbomachinery testing procedures, instrumentation and sensor selection, data acquisition, uncertainty analysis and measurement validation.

Specific Requirements

In accordance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network regulations:

• Applicants must comply with the MSCA Mobility Rule. At the time of recruitment, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the hiring Country for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment.
• Applicants must be doctoral candidates (i.e., not already hold a doctoral degree) and be eligible under the MSCA Doctoral Network rules at the time of recruitment.
• Short stays such as holidays, compulsory national service, or time spent as part of a refugee procedure are not considered.

Applicants must have a two-year master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Languages

• ENGLISH
• Level: Excellent

Additional Information

Benefits

Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive financial package in line with the rules for Doctoral Candidates (DCs) in a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. Employment will be provided by the recruiting organisation and will include mobility and family allowances (where applicable), together with full social security coverage.

Doctoral Candidates will benefit from a competitive salary, paid leave (in accordance with institutional regulations), and access to national social security schemes.

The period of employment is 3 years, starting on 1 February 2027 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

Eligibility criteria

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programs at EPFL. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study program, please see: https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/

Selection process

Recruitment will be carried out and monitored in full accordance with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and the Doctoral Network mobility rules. The process will follow an open, transparent, merit-based, impartial, and equitable procedure, tailored to each individual DC position. Promising candidates will undergo a series of interviews with the PI, the Supervisory Team, and the Recruitment Committee.

Successful candidates will:

• be enrolled in a PhD program of the hiring university,
• conduct research in a stimulating international environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and supervision by recognized experts,
• participate in local and network-wide training activities aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and transferable skills,
• attend workshops and international conferences relevant to their research topic,
• undertake secondments of approximately 4–6 months at other network or associated partner institutions.

Additional comments

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 November 2026 (23:59h).

Apply online here: EPFL-portal

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A copy of your BSc thesis (in pdf)
• A copy of your MSc thesis (in pdf)
• The names of three referees who are willing to write a reference letter

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply. Because the universities in this consortium conduct research in critical technology, which is subject to special security and export-control rules, we may conduct open-source background checks on qualified candidates.

Please note that this position is part of a consortium involving several partner universities. By submitting your application, you consent to your personal data, CV and motivation letter being shared with and accessible to the relevant members of the consortium for the purposes of the recruitment and selection process.

Website for additional job details: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lamd/

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: EPFL STI IGM LAMD
• Country: Switzerland
• City: Neuchatel
• Postal Code: 2000

Contact

• City: Neuchatel
• Website: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lamd/
• Street: Rue de la Maladiere 71b
• Postal Code: 2000
• E-Mail: jurg.schiffmann@epfl.ch
• E-Mail: enrica.tagliamonte@epfl.ch

Apply now