Postdoc in Assessment and Adaptation of Building Components for Extended Service Lifespans — EPFL
- Location
- Fribourg
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 29 days ago
Role overview
Mission Contribution
The Materials in Transition (MATR) Lab at the School of ENAC, EPFL, is seeking a self-driven and inquisitive post-doctoral researcher to start between August and October 2026, in the field of sustainable construction.
The research integrates dynamic material value-chain analyses, ownership models, technical performance assessment, and design-for-disassembly strategies to support the reuse and adaptation of building components.
- Mission Contribution
- The Materials in Transition (MATR) Lab at the School of ENAC, EPFL, is seeking a self-driven and inquisitive post-doctoral researcher to start between August and October 2026, in the field of sustainable construction.
- Key responsibilities will include:
- Analysis and synthesis of existing research on material value chains and building stock inventories to quantify the adaptation potential of construction elements
Main responsibilities
- Key responsibilities will include:
- Analysis and synthesis of existing research on material value chains and building stock inventories to quantify the adaptation potential of construction elements
- Investigations into building ownership models that support the reuse of building elements
- Identification and analysis of underlying mechanisms for deterioration in building envelope performance
- Development of standardised test protocols for non-destructive assessment of building envelope elements
- Support for ongoing practical research on design for disassembly and engineered reversible connection systems MATR Lab
- The incoming candidate will be part of a growing and dynamic research team at the MATR lab, led by Prof. Rebecca Hartwell, where we seek to: Main duties and responsibilities
- As a research collaborator, you will be expected to:
- Conduct cutting-edge research including experimental design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination;
- Research in collaboration with academic partners and international collaborators;
Application process
- Integrate resilience into the design and application of construction materials in response to evolving socio-economic challenges, such as climate change, social equity, occupant health, and strategic independence in material supply-chains.
- Develop comprehensive digital assessment methods to evaluate whole-life material flows and their associated impact across sectors to inform policy and practice.
- Engineer whole-life adaptability at the product-scale through material science and design.
Additional details
- Support for ongoing practical research on design for disassembly and engineered reversible connection systems
- The incoming candidate will be part of a growing and dynamic research team at the MATR lab, led by Prof. Rebecca Hartwell, where we seek to: Main duties and responsibilities
- Lead and contribute to scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals; Support in funding acquisition;
- Contribute to laboratory activities, including PhD and Master student supervision and teaching assistance.
- Proficient in, or willing to learn, programming languages (e.g.
- Fluency in English is essential [French would be an asset]
- World-class and international research and training environment with access to state-of-the art experimental facilities and a rich and vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community Competitive renumeration
- International collaboration and visiting opportunities through an excellent network of collaborations with industrial stakeholders and leading international universities.
Notes and original content
- Contribution
- The incoming candidate will be part of a growing and dynamic research team at the MATR lab, led by Prof.
- Rebecca Hartwell, where we seek to:
- Main duties and responsibilities
- Lead and contribute to scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
- Support in funding acquisition;
- MATLAB, Python, R)
- World-class and international research and training environment with access to state-of-the art experimental facilities and a rich and vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community
- Competitive renumeration
- Stimulating
Questions about this listing
What salary does EPFL offer for this role?
EPFL lists CHF 68'500 - 104'000 gross per year for this position in Fribourg. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does EPFL offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with EPFL during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Fribourg?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Fribourg can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Fribourg's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at EPFL?
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