Are you a beast in the clean room? Join the Quantum Plumbing Lab!
We are looking for a postdoc to lead the development of next generation nanofluidic devices. You will join a young and vibrant team at EPFL, that combines nanofabrication, advanced microscopy, analytical theory and numerical simulations to understand how fluids flow at nanometer scales – the frontier where the continuum of hydrodynamics meets the quantum nature of matter.
What we require:
- A PhD that involved substantial microfabrication (clean room) work.
- Curiosity and creativity; motivation to develop new protocols and to go beyond established methods.
- Experience with micro/nanofluidics, carbon nanotubes and/or 2D materials is a plus, but not a requirement.
What we offer:
- An internationally competitive salary (current rates here) and an appointment for up to 4 years.
- Exceptional working conditions: you will benefit from the infrastructure of CMi – one of Europe’s best clean rooms, and from an all-new clean lab with exclusive space for our team.
- Swiss quality of life: lake, mountains, food, and easy travel to anywhere you like.
Please apply directly via email to nikita.kavokine[at]epfl.ch using the subject line “Postdoc application – Your Name”. Your application will only be considered if you attach as a single pdf file:
- A brief statement of motivation (max. 1 page),
- Your CV and full list of publications,
- The contact details of 2 – 3 references that are prepared to be contacted.
All applications received before December 1st, 2025, will be considered. Applications received after that date may be considered if the position is not filled. Earliest start date: February 2026.
We are looking for 1-2 talented PhD students to join us in 2026. Various topics, spanning theory, experiment and simulations are possible depending on your interests. No specific background is required: only curiosity, creativity and motivation to discover Quantum Plumbing! Possible projects include, but are no limited to:
- Chemical quantum friction: build an analytical model to understand the interplay between hydrodynamics and solid-liquid electron transfer.
- Nano-tribometry: measure hydrodynamic friction on quantum materials with a custom-built force microscope.
- Hydropolarons: study strong electronic correlations at solid-liquid interfaces using quantum Monte Carlo simulations.
A PhD in Switzerland is typically 4 years. During this time, you will be supported with an internationally competitive salary (current rates here), although application for fellowships is encouraged.
Please apply directly via email to nikita.kavokine[at]epfl.ch using the subject line “PhD application – Your Name”. Your application will only be considered if you attach as a single pdf file:
- A brief statement of motivation (max. 1 page),
- Your CV and full grades record,
- The contact details of 1 – 2 references that are prepared to be contacted.
Applications will be considered until the positions are filled.