This EPFL postdoctoral position in Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation offers an opportunity to combine experimental engineering, nanoscale device development and advanced microscopy. Moreover, the role involves collaboration with international academic and industrial researchers. This article covers the research responsibilities, eligibility criteria, salary information, contract details and application procedure.
Overview of the EPFL Postdoctoral Position in Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation
The position is based at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, within its Laboratory for Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation (LBNI).
The laboratory works at the intersection of instrumentation, microfabrication and nanoscale biology. Its research includes scanning probe microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the development of advanced measurement tools. Therefore, this vacancy suits researchers interested in translating engineering concepts into practical scientific instruments.
The selected researcher will contribute to a recently funded project involving multifunctional, self-sensing probes. These devices will support experiments on quantum materials under cryogenic and vacuum conditions.
Position highlights:
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Position: Postdoc/Scientific Collaborator – Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation
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University: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
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Research location: Lausanne, Switzerland
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Department: Laboratory for Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation
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Working time: 100% (full-time)
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Contract: Fixed-term employment (CDD)
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Duration: One year, renewable
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Starting date: By mutual agreement
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Application deadline: Not specified in the advertisement.
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Research Focus and Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work across MEMS microfabrication, scanning probe instrumentation and cryogenic measurement technologies.
The central objective involves developing advanced microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) probes for cryogenic scanning probe microscopy. These probes will support precise measurements of quantum materials under demanding experimental conditions.
1. MEMS probe design and development
The researcher will design and fabricate advanced MEMS probes for cryogenic scanning probe microscopy. These devices require careful engineering to achieve reliable measurements at extremely low temperatures.
2. Micro- and nanofabrication
Another important responsibility involves developing and improving wafer-scale fabrication processes. The work will integrate sensing, actuation and electrical functionalities into advanced devices.
Relevant techniques include photolithography, thin-film deposition, etching and metallisation.
3. Experimental characterisation
The researcher will investigate the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of prototype devices. In addition, experiments will involve vacuum environments and cryogenic conditions.
4. Instrumentation and collaboration
The successful candidate will integrate and test probes within scanning probe microscopy systems. They will also collaborate with academic and industrial partners working on quantum materials and cryogenic instrumentation.
Furthermore, the position includes analysing research findings, publishing scientific results, supervising students and contributing to technology transfer activities.
Eligibility Criteria for the EPFL Postdoc Position
This opportunity targets researchers with a doctoral degree and substantial practical experience in microfabrication or scientific instrumentation.
Educational qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD in one of the following disciplines:
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Microengineering
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Electrical engineering
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Mechanical engineering
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Applied physics
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Materials science
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A closely related discipline
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Technical experience
Candidates should demonstrate strong hands-on experience in MEMS or micro/nanofabrication.
The university particularly values practical knowledge of several cleanroom techniques, including:
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Photolithography
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Thin-film deposition
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Plasma or wet etching
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Metallisation
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Wafer bonding
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Thin-film patterning
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Additionally, applicants should have experience designing and experimentally characterising micro- or nanoscale devices.
Additional desirable expertise
Candidates should have experience in at least one of these areas:
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Scanning probe microscopy, including AFM or STM
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Piezoelectric or resistive MEMS
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Low-noise electrical measurements
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Vacuum or cryogenic instrumentation
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Strong analytical skills, independent problem-solving abilities and effective communication in English are also important.
Important: Previous experience in quantum materials is advantageous, but it is not compulsory. Therefore, researchers with strong MEMS fabrication and instrumentation backgrounds should consider applying.
Salary, Contract Duration and Benefits
EPFL offers a competitive salary and access to advanced research infrastructure.
The position comes with a one-year fixed-term contract, which may be renewed. Furthermore, the workload corresponds to a 100% full-time appointment.
Salary information
EPFL publishes a separate salary scale for its postdoctoral employees. According to its 2026 official salary information, the first-year postdoctoral gross annual salary is CHF 88,000, including the 13th salary month. The scale increases with subsequent years of employment.
However, the vacancy does not specify an individual salary figure. Since the advertised title includes both postdoctoral researcher and scientific collaborator, applicants should confirm the applicable employment classification and salary with EPFL.
Research and professional benefits
The successful candidate can expect:
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Access to advanced micro- and nanofabrication facilities.
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Opportunities to work with sophisticated microscopy and characterisation equipment.
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Scientific independence in developing new instrumentation.
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International academic and industrial collaborations.
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Opportunities to publish research and contribute to technology transfer.
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These resources can help researchers strengthen their expertise in experimental physics, MEMS technology and next-generation scientific instrumentation.
How to Apply for the EPFL Postdoc Position in Switzerland
EPFL accepts applications through its official online recruitment platform. Applications submitted through other channels will not be considered.
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
1. Cover letter
Prepare a brief cover letter in PDF format. The university specifies a maximum length of two pages.
Explain your research background, technical expertise and interest in the project. In particular, highlight your experience with MEMS development, microfabrication and experimental instrumentation.
2. Academic CV
Prepare an updated academic CV with a complete publication list. Include relevant research projects, laboratory experience, technical expertise and previous academic appointments.
3. Reference details
Provide the contact information of three professional or academic referees. Select individuals who can discuss your research contributions and technical abilities.
Application procedure
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Visit the official EPFL recruitment portal.
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Locate the Postdoc/Scientific Collaborator – Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation vacancy.
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Review the eligibility requirements and employment information.
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Prepare your cover letter and academic CV with publication list.
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Include contact details for three references.
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Submit the complete application through the online platform.
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For additional information, applicants can contact Professor Georg Fantner at recruiting.lbni@epfl.ch.
Expert Tips to Strengthen Your EPFL Application
A strong application should demonstrate more than academic qualifications. This particular role requires practical engineering expertise and the ability to solve experimental challenges.
Consider the following recommendations before applying.
Highlight your cleanroom experience. Avoid simply listing fabrication techniques. Instead, describe the devices you developed and the processes you used. For example, explain your experience combining photolithography, thin-film deposition and etching.
Demonstrate experimental problem-solving. Describe a technical challenge you encountered during device fabrication or characterisation. Then explain how you investigated the problem and improved the experimental outcome.
Connect your experience with the research objectives. Candidates without quantum materials experience should emphasise transferable expertise. For instance, experience developing low-noise sensors or characterising MEMS devices can demonstrate relevant technical capabilities.
Showcase your publications. Select publications that demonstrate your contribution to microfabrication, instrumentation, microscopy or nanoscale device development.
Choose references carefully. Contact referees who can provide specific examples of your independent research, laboratory skills and collaborative abilities.
For international applicants, including researchers from India, the most important consideration is demonstrating a close match between previous experimental work and the advertised technical requirements.
Conclusion
The EPFL Postdoc/Scientific Collaborator position offers an excellent research opportunity for engineers and experimental scientists specialising in MEMS, microfabrication and advanced instrumentation. The project combines nanoscale engineering with cryogenic microscopy and quantum measurements. Furthermore, researchers will benefit from access to advanced facilities and international scientific collaborations. Candidates should prepare a focused cover letter, an updated academic CV and three professional references. Visit the official EPFL recruitment portal to review the vacancy and submit your application.
Opportunity Summary
| Feature | Details |
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| Program Name | Postdoc/Scientific Collaborator – Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation |
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Funded By | EPFL; specific external project funder not identified in the vacancy |
| Duration | 1 year, renewable |
| Study Mode | Full-time research employment (100% activity rate), not a degree programme |
| Eligibility | PhD in microengineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science or a related field, with strong MEMS or micro/nanofabrication experience |
| Financial Support | Competitive salary. EPFL’s 2026 first-year postdoc scale is CHF 88,000 gross annually, including the 13th salary month, subject to appointment classification |
| Fields of Study | MEMS, micro/nanofabrication, applied physics, materials science, scanning probe microscopy, cryogenic instrumentation and quantum measurements |
| Deadline | Not specified on the official vacancy |
| Official Website | Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Applicants must hold a PhD in microengineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science or a closely related field.
Yes. Candidates need hands-on experience in MEMS or micro/nanofabrication. In addition, practical cleanroom experience is highly relevant.
Yes. The vacancy does not specify a nationality restriction. However, international applicants should check applicable Swiss work-authorisation requirements.
No. Quantum materials experience is advantageous but not compulsory. Therefore, researchers with strong MEMS and scientific instrumentation backgrounds can also apply.
The initial employment contract lasts one year. However, EPFL may renew the contract depending on the applicable arrangements.
The researcher will develop advanced MEMS probes for cryogenic scanning probe microscopy. Additionally, the project involves nanofabrication, device characterisation and quantum measurements.
Yes. EPFL offers a competitive salary and research facilities. However, applicants should contact the university to confirm the salary applicable to this appointment.
