The Materials in Transition (MATR) Lab at the School of ENAC, EPFL, is looking for a self-driven and inquisitive PhD candidate to start between July and September 2026, or upon agreement, in the field of sustainable construction.
The PhD research will focus on the development of design approaches for building elements that can meet functional performance criteria across multiple lifecycles enabling reuse; adaptability; and reduced environmental impact. This will involve the development of novel assessment methods for reuse under changing socio-economic conditions with a particular emphasis on reversible construction and practical methods for separation, reuse, and reconfiguration. Through this work, you will help redefine how building elements are designed, assembled and reused through the development and validation of practical and scalable approaches to multi-lifecycle design. Possible research directions include:
- Design for disassembly and reversible connection types
- Sustainable material technologies for construction
- Digital and/or parametric design methods for lifecycle-oriented design
- Strategies for building element service life extension
- Experimental validation through prototypes and demonstrator builds
The exact focus will be adapted to the candidate’s background and interests
Table of Content
Summary
- Application DeadlineMay 26, 2026
- Study LevelPhD
- SponsorÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
- Eligible CountryAll Countries
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Benefits
- World-class and international research and training environment with access to state-of-the art experimental facilities and a vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community
- Competitive renumeration
- Opportunities to attend and present your work at international conferences
- International collaboration and visiting opportunities through an excellent network of collaborations with industrial stakeholders and leading international universities
- Stimulating work environment based at the Smart Living Lab, EPFL Fribourg
Requirements
- Masters’ degree in architecture, civil engineering, building technology, industrial design, material science or related field
- Strong interest in emerging, interdisciplinary fields within architecture and material science
- Interest in conceptual design and a practical and hands-on mindset
- Strong analytical background and problem-solving abilities
- Creative and eager to explore and develop new methodological approaches
- Proficient in, or willing to learn, programming languages (e.g. MATLAB, Python, R)
- Experience with one or more of the following is an asset: LCA tools, computational design, structural design, material research, fabrication or prototyping
- Ability to communicate with researchers from different disciplines
- Self-driven with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Fluency in English is essential [French would be an asset]
Selection Process
- Pre-screening will start immediately and continue until suitable candidates have been found.
- The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. EDAR. Please note that this parallel application process is necessary to be eligible for a PhD at EPFL.
Application Documents
Please apply by uploading a single PDF file that contains supporting information, including:
- Your detailed CV (including grades and links to relevant publications, if applicable)
- Brief motivation letter and research statement describing your research interests and experience (max. 2 pages)
- Names and contact information of 2-3 references willing to provide a reference supporting your application.
Important: Your application should demonstrate a genuine interest in the advertised topic or the broader research themes of the lab. We value original, personally written applications that reflect your own thinking and voice.
Application Deadline
May 26, 2026How To Apply
