PhD Position in Integrated Design and Optimization of Small-Scale Turbomachinery
Join the MSCA-TurboImpact network to develop advanced design and optimization methods for high-speed turbomachinery in energy applications.
Best for:Best for mechanical engineering graduates with a strong background in computational modeling, optimization, and turbomachinery design, eager to contribute to interdisciplinary research in energy systems.
Overview
This PhD position at EPFL’s Laboratory of Applied Mechanics and Design (LAMD) focuses on advancing the design and optimization of small-scale turbomachinery for applications like heat pumps, fuel cells, and organic Rankine cycles. As part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network (TurboImpact), the successful candidate will contribute to developing robust system design methods, integrated manufacturing platforms, and multi-material joining techniques. The work involves creating reduced-order models for gas-bearing supported high-speed turbomachinery, optimizing complex systems for performance and robustness, and establishing unified design guidelines. The position offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, international collaboration, and training opportunities, including mandatory secondments at partner institutions.
What you'll do
- Develop reduced-order models to represent physical phenomena governing gas-bearing supported high-speed turbomachinery.
- Design and optimize complex turbomachinery systems to maximize performance metrics while ensuring robustness against uncertainties.
- Contribute to the development of an integrated manufacturing platform for small-scale turbomachinery production.
- Participate in network-wide training activities, workshops, and international conferences related to the research topic.
- Undertake mandatory secondments (4–6 months) at partner institutions to collaborate on complementary research projects.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and industry partners within the TurboImpact network.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency required
Instruction: English
- Proven expertise in mechanical engineering, turbomachinery, or related fields
- Strong background in computational modeling and simulation techniques
- Experience with optimization algorithms and robust design methodologies
- Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) for scientific computing
- Familiarity with fluid dynamics principles and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools
- Open to EU and non-EU candidates (MSCA eligibility rules apply)
- No age restrictions (MSCA rules apply)
- Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the last 3 years
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30 (Europe/Rome)
Applicants must submit their application through the EPFL LAMD lab’s official website. The application should include a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, and a research proposal outlining how the candidate’s background aligns with the project’s objectives. Two reference letters are also required. Applications must be submitted in English.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Research proposal (1–2 pages)
- Two reference letters
Contact
Jurg Schiffmann, Enrica Tagliamonte· Supervisors
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.