The Unsteady Flow Diagnostics Laboratory (UNFoLD) led by Prof. Karen Mulleners at EPFL in Lausanne is looking for multiple PhD students to join the group in the fall of 2025 or early 2026.
The UNFoLD lab specialises in the experimental measurements, analysis, and modelling of unsteady vortex-dominated flow phenomena, with applications in bio-inspired propulsion, wind turbine rotor blade aerodynamics, gust interactions, and fluid-structure interactions. The research focuses on unfolding the origin and development of unsteady flow separation and vortex formation. The lab has built a reputation for carefully designed and precisely controlled experiments, high quality temporally and spatially resolved field experiments using particle image velocimetry combined with synchronised measurements of the technically relevant quantities, such as aerodynamic forces or power output, exploratory data analyses to bridge the gap between our observations and understanding of the development and interaction of vortices, and the technically relevant quantities.
Several open PhD positions are available for fully funded projects on:
- Flow separation on three-dimensional wings
- Fluid-structure interactions of flapping flags
- (Bio-inspired) unsteady vortex formation and interaction
More information about the lab and the ongoing and past projects can be found here: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/unfold/
Main duties and responsibilities
- Perform original experimental research on vortex dominated flows.
- Lead and contribute to publications in scientific journals.
- Contribute to general lab activities (including teaching assistance and co-supervision of student projects)
Profile
- A master's degree in engineering, environmental sciences, or physics. (Candidates with a 4 year bachelor’s degrees and exceptional grades can be considered too.)
- Strong interest in experimental fluid mechanics.
- Experience with experimental (fluid) mechanics OR in designing laboratory experiments OR in data-driven analysis methods is an advantage.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. (French is not required)
We offer
- Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe.
- Competitive salary and excellent educational conditions.
- Term of employment: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years.
Interested applicants should upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivation statement (please indicate your earliest availability date)
- Grades from bachelor and master studies
Different projects can start at different times. Ideally at least one candidate would start in the Fall of 2025 (earliest starting date is October 2025), other projects are supposed to start January 2026.
Screening will start immediately and will continue until suitable candidates have been found.
Working place: Lausanne
Contract Type: CDD for 1 year, renewable for 4 years
