PhD in bioaerosol research

Postition from 1 June 2024.

The Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology METAS develops internationally agreed reference masses and passes them on to the Swiss economy, research and administration with the required accuracy through calibrations. To this end, it operates an advanced laboratory infrastructure.

As part of an interdisciplinary project in the field of “Real-time bioaerosol monitoring” and in direct collaboration with the “Extreme Environments Research” laboratory of the EPF Lausanne (Prof. Schmale, EPFL, eerl.epfl.ch), we are looking for a doctoral student in the field of aerosol research and metrology.

Your tasks

  • Responsible for the targeted further development of aerosol generators and the physical and chemical characterization of the bioaerosols produced as part of a doctoral thesis
  • Responsible for the installation of new measuring systems and the further development of reference methods for measuring the number concentration of bioaerosols
  • Responsible for promoting the acceptance of new measurement options by participating in measurement comparisons, field campaigns and publishing the results in accordance with doctoral requirements
  • Writing a dissertation

We offer

  • challenging tasks at the fascinating interface between research, business, society and metrological development.
  • You can expect a collegial working environment and plenty of creative freedom.
  • Our partner laboratory at the EPFL is concerned with research into atmospheric processes in polar regions, particularly in connection with climate change.
  • You will complete your doctorate at EPFL.

Your profile

  • Successfully completed Master’s degree in the field of environmental sciences, physics or chemistry and initial experience in aerosol measurement technology and/or in the field of ‘machine learning’.
  • Existing programming knowledge in Python is an advantage
  • Knowledge in the operation of complex equipment as well as in the simulation and analysis of experiments
  • Interest in interdisciplinary issues
  • Open-minded, flexible, team-oriented personality who quickly adapts to new challenges.
  • Willingness to work at METAS in Bern and at the EPFL in Sion/Lausanne
  • Knowledge of two official languages and a very good command of written and spoken English


For further information please contact

Dr. Konstantina Vasilatou, Laboratory Head, [email protected], tel. no. +41 58 387 03 82

Prof. Julia Schmale, Director of Extreme Environments Research Laboratory, [email protected]

Please ensure that you apply to the EDCE doctoral school at EPFL, deadline 30 April 2024. Only applicants who also applied to EDCE can be considered.