Mission
We are offering a position as postdoctoral researcher in the Group of Energy Materials at EPFL, Sion. Our highly interdisciplinary Lab (20 FTE, 1/3rd PhD students, 1/3rd postdocs, 1/3rd engineers) is part of the EPFL Mechanical Engineering Institute and specialised since 30 years in fuel cell and electrolysers, both high temperature (>600°C, solid oxide ceramics) and low temperature (<100 °C, protonic and anionic exchange membrane polymers). Our fully equipped diagnostics lab mounts and investigates fuel cells / electrolysers, from components and single cells up to stacks and systems (1 – 50 kW), testing durability/performance and identifying degradation phenomena. Experimental work is assisted by modeling and simulation on different levels.
We are specifically looking for a postdoctoral researcher with experience (a PhD) in PEMFC modeling (cell/stack/system) and experimental testing and characterisation on cell and stack level. The work involves defining a detailed multi-physics dynamic model (e.g. COMSOL) of a PEMFC repeating unit extendable to a stack including electrochemal, thermal and mechanical aspects. The modeling work should be complemented with experimental testing / validation on cell and (short) stack level for which test equipment is available.
Main duties and responsibilities
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be expected to:
1. take the lead and responsibility for your tasks
2. integrate in the lab and interact openly with team members
3. research in close collaboration with industrial and academic partners
4. supervise student projects that support the research tasks
5. write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
6. present at international conferences
More specifically, within this project, you will:
7. develop or further elaborate a dynamic PEMFC multiphysics model allowing to evaluate different geometrical designs, pressure drops, water management, mechanical deformation
8. model GDL structures for their optimisation, and experimentally analyze them e.g. using XCT
9. explore alternative stack manifolding and evaluate pressurisation and sealing concepts (1-3 bars)
10. mount and perform cell and stack testing, analyse and interpret results, including EIS
11. participate in corrosion testing of bipolar plates and coatings (equipment available)
12. participate in catalyst formulation and deposition (equipment available)
13. participate in a dedicated EU Project in which this work is inscribed, which includes representation (frequent meetings) and reporting duties
Profile
14. MSc degree in appropriate engineering discipline
15. PhD specifically on the topic of PEMFC including detailed modeling and experimental work is a must
16. Your own available model is a plus
17. Willingness to work in COMSOL, (Open)modelica and learn also system level modeling
18. Good communication skills and working as part of a team
19. Enthusiasm, curiosity, motivation, reactivity, organizational skills, rigor in experimental work
20. Very good command of English (French is a plus but not mandatory).
We offer
21. Employment at a renowned institution ranked among the leaders in engineering and technology
22. Support for professional development through training and continuous learning opportunities.
23. Supportive and flexible work environment promoting work-life balance
24. Language courses relevant to your role
25. International multilingual working environment
26. Discounts on public transport
Informations
Your application should contain:
• A motivation letter
• Your detailed CV
• Contact information
• Names and contact information of 2 or more references willing to write a recommendation letter
Application deadline: Feb 28th 2026
Contract Start Date: May 1st 2026 or as per mutual agreement
Activity Rate Min: 80%
Activity Rate Max: 100%
Contract Type: yearly basis, renewable.
Duration: 1 year minimum, 2 years likely. Extension dependent upon funding availability.
Reference : 2016
For more information, please contact:, .