Faculty Position in Tribology and Interface Engineering

1000scholars; Lausanne; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

EPFL invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position in the Institute of Materials (IMX), sponsored by Rolex, with main work at EPFL’s Neuchâtel campus. The appointee will build an independent, internationally recognized research program spanning tribology, contact mechanics, and surface engineering; excellence in teaching and mentoring is explicitly valued.

Candidates should have a PhD, outstanding academic record, and potential for technology transfer or collaboration with

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with an outstanding academic record.
• Strong commitment to teaching and mentoring at all levels.
• Experience building independent, international research programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent, internationally recognized research program.
• Secure research funding and manage projects.
• Contribute to teaching, supervision, and mentoring of students.

Skills

Teaching & mentoring

Education

PhD

Job description

The School of Engineering at EPFL invites applications for a faculty position in the Institute of Materials (IMX), under the sponsorship of Rolex, in the broad field of tribology, contact mechanics, and surface and interface engineering. The main work location is EPFL’s Neuchâtel campus.

The appointment is solicited at the Tenure-Track Assistant Professor level. Exceptional applications may also be considered at the tenured Associate Professor level.

Applications are welcome from candidates working across the broad spectrum of research addressing the science and engineering of mutually contacting hard surfaces. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the physics, chemistry, mechanics, and microstructural phenomena underlying the performance of materials in friction, wear, adhesion, and lubrication; contact mechanics across length scales; tribocorrosion and environmental degradation of surfaces; protective and functional coatings; and surface and interface engineering of materials for improved tribological performance. Approaches that connect fundamental mechanisms with the design of new materials, surfaces, and solutions for sliding contacts are of particular interest.

The successful candidate will develop an independent, internationally recognized research program that complements and strengthens existing activities at EPFL in materials science, mechanics, surface science, and manufacturing. Research that bridges length scales – from atomistic and molecular phenomena at interfaces to the performance of engineered components – and integrates materials design with mechanical behavior is particularly valued.

Candidates must hold a PhD and have an outstanding academic record, a compelling research vision, demonstrated scientific impact, and a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring students at all levels. A track record in, or clear potential for, technology transfer and collaboration with industry is valued.

Application deadline: 1 December 2026.

Inquiries can be addressed to:

Prof. Esther Amstad

Chair of the Search Committee

Email: [e-mail]

Further information about EPFL and our Institute is available at epfl.ch and sti.epfl.ch/imx/.

EPFL is an equal opportunity employer and a family-friendly university, committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty. We strongly encourage women to apply.