Post-doc in the Environmental Fluid Merchanics

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

We are seeking a full-time post-doctoral researcher to join the Environmental Fluid Mechanics laboratory, led by Professor Pietro de Anna, at the Institute of Earth Science (University of Lausanne, Switzerland).

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.01.2026 or upon mutual agreement

Contract length : 2 years (1 year + renewal for 1 year)

Activity rate : 100 %

Workplace : Institute of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will work on multi-phase flow (air-water and oil-water) and solute/colloidal transport within confined and heterogeneous (spatially variable) media.

The research will focus on 3 main axes. First, understanding the coupling between phases organization (air-water or oil-water) and the overall hydraulic properties of a porous system. Second, use particle tracking methods to simulate bacterial transport within non-saturated pores, with particular attention to the finite-size effects associated to the cells size and shape. Third, develop novel image analysis and processing for experimental particle tracking in non-saturated media. In all cases, numerical results will be contrasted with microfluidics and time-lapse video-microscopy experiments.

The candidate will have the opportunity to be trained in cutting-edge microfluidics and timelapse video-microscopy techniques. The research work will involve collaborations with a suite of international colleagues across Europe and the US.

50 % (minimum) of the activity will be dedicated to research.

50 % (maximum) of the activity will be dedicated to contributing to some teaching activities, and the possibility of supervising master and PhD students.

Your qualifications

PhD degree (or be near completion) in Physics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering or Civil & Environmental Engineering or related discipline. A strong background on numerical modeling for flow, transport of multi-phase fluid systems is required. Some experience on experimental fluid mechanics is desired, but not necessary (advanced training can be provided).

Excellent written and spoken English is required, working knowledge of French (the local language in Lausanne) is not necessary.

Interest in developing numerical schemes to model microfluidics based experiments to study flow and transport driven filtration and microbially-driven reactions in confined media. Commitment to research based on experimental, numerical and modeling approaches.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

The host facility The Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory is an established facility, located at the Institute of Earth Sciences (ISTE) at the University of Lausanne, equipped with state-of-the-art technology including fully automated microscopes, dedicated clean room for micro-fabrication and a microbiology laboratory. The University of Lausanne is sharing the campus with EPFL, making the local environment very dynamical and stimulating. More information about the Environmental Fluid Mechanics Laboratory can be found at  www.pietrodeanna.org

Contact for further information

 Prof. Pietro de Anna (E-Mail schreiben).

Your application

Deadline :02.10.2025

Please, send your full application in PDF:

i) motivation letter (1 page describing your background, research interests and past
experience); ii) Curriculum vitae; iii) Contact information for one or two professional references.

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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