Energy Jobs in Lausanne, Switzerland (Now Hiring) — 7 open

Mission

A PhD position is available in the Technology Platform for Hydraulic Machines at EPFL, Switzerland. Since 1969, PTMH (ptmh.epfl.ch) is a centre of scientific excellence in research and development of hydraulic machines, specializing in performance validation, hydrodynamics, cavitation, hydro-acoustics, and advanced measurement techniques. This PhD position is framed within a collaborative project JUMP with Andritz Hydro in Vevey and granted by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE).

To support the ambitions of Switzerland's Energy Strategy 2050, future Pelton turbine development must simultaneously address three major challenges: increasing power output, improving energy conversion efficiency, and enhancing resistance to hydro-abrasive erosion caused by sediment-laden flows. These objectives are inherently competing and become especially critical when upgrading existing hydropower facilities.

The proposed PhD project aims to advance the fundamental understanding of the complex multiphase flow phenomena occurring in the cutout region of Pelton turbine buckets, where high-velocity water jets initiate the hydraulic-to-mechanical energy conversion process. This region is exposed to extreme flow conditions and is particularly vulnerable to cavitation and sediment-induced erosion.

Through controlled laboratory experiments on a reduced-scale Pelton runner model, the project will investigate jet impingement, flow separation, multiphase interactions, erosion-related geometry modifications, and the conditions leading to the onset of the Coandă effect. The results are expected to provide new insights for the design of future Pelton runners that are more efficient, more robust, and capable of supporting the ongoing energy transition.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD student, you will be expected to:

• Perform original research in the field of hydraulic machinery and experimental fluid dynamics.
• Develop and operate laboratory test rigs and measurement systems.
• Lead and contribute to publications in scientific journals.
• Contribute to general lab activities (including teaching assistance and co-supervision of student projects) 

Profile

We seek candidates who are deeply motivated to engage in cutting-edge research, demonstrating both collaborative teamwork and independent initiative, and hold:

• A MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Energy or closely related disciplines with excellent records.
• Strong interest in hydraulic turbomachines and experimental fluid mechanics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Enthusiasm, scientific curiosity, eager to learn, good organizational skills, rigor in experimental work.

We offer

• A fully funded PhD position to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe.
• Experimental and modelling experience that will give you a comprehensive research portfolio.
• Competitive salary and excellent educational conditions (https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/doctoral-studies-structure/doctoral-students-salary/).
• Term of employment: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years.

Informations

Interested applicants should upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivation statement
• Grades from bachelor and master studies

Screening will start immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate has been found.

To be eligible for a PhD at EPFL, note that candidates also need to be enrolled in one of the EPFL doctoral school programs. This is a separate application process that you can start in parallel. We suggest that you apply to the Doctoral Program in Mechanics (EDME) or the Doctoral Program in Energy (EDEY).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Elena Vagnoni ([email protected]).