POWERlab / Positions

Join the POWERlab

We are looking for excellent students and postdocs motivated to push the boundaries of semiconductor devices, power electronics, THz technology, and microfluidic cooling at EPFL.

Open positions

PhD Students & Postdocs

Several positions are available across our research areas. Click on a position to learn more about the project, required profile, and how to apply.

PhD & Postdoc Lateral GaN power electronics

We are looking for an excellent and motivated postdoctoral fellow to work on lateral GaN power electronics. The candidate will pursue novel lateral and vertical device architectures based on multi-channel heterostructures, tri-gate nanowires, and intrinsic polarization superjunctions.

Profile: Strong background in III-Nitride semiconductor devices and cleanroom fabrication. A strong publication record is expected.

How to apply: Send your CV to , including publications and names of two references.

PhD & Postdoc Microfluidic cooling of electronic devices

We are looking for excellent and motivated candidates for a PhD in the field of thermal management of GaN semiconductor electronic devices. The candidate will pursue novel ideas combining two-phase microfluidic cooling designed together with GaN electronics to tackle the critical challenge of thermal management in RF and power electronics.

Profile: Solid background in thermal sciences, with strong aptitude for experiments and device fabrication. Experience with microfluidic cooling (single or two phase) is very welcome.

How to apply: Send your CV to , including publications (if any) and names of two references.

PhD & Postdoc Efficient and high power density converters

We are looking for excellent and motivated candidates for a PhD or postdoc in the field of power electronics. The candidate will pursue novel ideas based on wide band gap devices for efficient high power density power converters.

The candidate will work on all aspects of demonstrating high power density power converters: from characterization of device losses to converter design. Most importantly, the candidate is encouraged to try new ideas and approaches.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in high power density, high efficiency DC-DC conversion for server applications.

Profile: Solid background in power electronics, with strong aptitude for performing experiments.

How to apply: Send your CV to , including publications (if any) and names of two references.

Why POWERlab

What we offer

💰

Competitive salary

Fully-paid fellowship with one of the highest doctoral salaries in Europe. Excellent working conditions to focus on your research.

⚙️

World-class facilities

Access to EPFL's state-of-the-art cleanroom (CMi), epitaxy platform (EPiX), and the lab's own electrical, optical, and thermal characterization equipment.

🎓

High-impact research

Publish in top journals (Nature, Nature Electronics, IEEE), file patents, and work on technology that becomes real products — like our spin-off Corintis.

🌎

International environment

A diverse, collaborative team with members from across the globe, located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland.

🚀

Career development

Our alumni have gone on to faculty positions, industry leadership roles, and founded companies. We invest in your growth beyond the PhD.

💡

Freedom to explore

We encourage new ideas and approaches. Our best breakthroughs came from students who dared to try something different.

PhD applications

How to apply for a PhD at EPFL

PhD positions at EPFL follow a structured admission process through the doctoral schools. Here is a summary of the key steps:

1

Choose a doctoral school

POWERlab students typically enroll in one of three doctoral programs:

2

Submit your online application

Apply online through the EPFL doctoral school portal. You will need to submit: your CV, academic transcripts, two reference letters, a copy of your degree(s), and a motivation letter. Applications are reviewed in multiple rounds throughout the year.

3

Admission decision

Applications are evaluated by the doctoral school's admission committee based on academic excellence, research potential, and fit with the lab. Candidates typically hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Exceptional BS students (without a Master's degree) can also be considered in the admission process.

For full details on admission criteria and deadlines, visit the EPFL PhD admissions page →

Internships

External students

For excellent and motivated external students interested in an internship, please contact Prof. Matioli directly for more information.

Ready to make an impact?

Send your CV, publications (if any), and names of two references.

Apply now —