Technician for the LéXPLORE platform

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL; Vaud; On-site; CHF 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

EPFL in Lausanne is seeking a Technician for the LéXPLORE platform to join a small, collaborative team. You will help operate and maintain the floating research infrastructure on Lake Geneva, ensuring high-quality data and reliable instrumentation for ongoing environmental monitoring projects.

The role involves field work, equipment maintenance, data management, and outreach activities, with regular interactions among researchers, engineers, students, and the public.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with technical systems and field operations.
• Experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting technical equipment.
• Good command of French and English; German is an asset.
• Valid driving license; boat and trailer licenses are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of LéXPLORE.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific instrumentation, including sensor calibration, sampling system configuration, technical procedures, and data quality control.
• Maintain, repair, and improve the platform’s infrastructure and equipment; include installations, cleaning, routine maintenance, power supply systems, ROV inspections and recovery operations.
• Provide technical support to research groups and contribute to successful implementation of scientific projects on LéXPLORE.
• Contribute to data management and curation activities, and collaborate with the DATALAKES team to ensure efficient data flows and clear datasets documentation.
• Support outreach and communication activities, including public visits and media events.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

R

Data management

Data visualization

Field operations

Problem solving

Education

Technical training (CFC/ES/HES/EPF)

Job description

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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Technician for the LéXPLORE platform

Mission

The Limnology Center ( http://limnc.epfl.ch ) coordinates the LéXPLORE platform (www.lexplore.ch), a unique floating research infrastructure on Lake Geneva. LéXPLORE provides state-of-the-art instrumentation for the continuous monitoring of physical, chemical, and biological processes in aquatic ecosystems. Data and metadata collected on the platform are openly available through the DATALAKES portal ( www.datalakes-eawag.ch ).

Building on nearly a decade of successful operation, the next phase of LéXPLORE, led by EPFL, Eawag, and the University of Lausanne, will combine long-term high-frequency observations with targeted sampling strategies to address emerging scientific and environmental challenges.

The technician will join a small and highly collaborative operational team and work closely with a second technician to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the platform. The position involves regular interactions with researchers, engineers, students, and the general public, as well as collaborations with national and international research teams.

The successful candidate will contribute to the operation, maintenance, and continued development of LéXPLORE, helping to ensure reliable instrumentation, secure infrastructure, high-quality data, and the successful implementation of research and outreach activities. The position combines fieldwork, technical maintenance, instrumentation, data quality control, and support for scientific projects in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of LéXPLORE.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific instrumentation, including sensor calibration, sampling system configuration, technical procedures, and data quality control.
• Maintain, repair, and improve the platform’s infrastructure and equipment. This includes installations, cleaning, routine maintenance activities, power supply systems, ROV inspections and recovery operations.
• Provide technical support to research groups and contribute to the successful implementation of scientific projects on LéXPLORE.
• Contribute to data management and curation activities, and collaborate with the DATALAKES team to ensure efficient data flows and clear documentation of datasets.
• Support outreach and communication activities, including public visits and media events.

Profile

• Technical training ranging from CFC, ES/HES, or EPF level in a relevant field (electronics, mechanics, automation, environmental sciences, instrumentation, data management, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience with technical systems and field operations.
• Experience in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting technical equipment.
• Interest in instrumentation, metrology, and environmental monitoring.
• Good computer skills and interest in data management and visualization; experience with Python, MATLAB, or R is an asset.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a small team.
• Resourceful problem-solver with a proactive attitude and a strong practical mindset.
• Versatile, curious, and motivated to learn new tools, technologies, and scientific methods.
• Good organizational, reporting, and communication skills.
• Comfortable working outdoors, including on lakes and in all weather conditions.
• Flexible and adaptable, with occasional variability in working hours depending on field activities.
• Good command of French and English; German is an asset.
• Valid driving license required; boat and trailer licenses are an advantage (or willingness to obtain them).
• Experience in a similar position, field operations, or technical support is an advantage.
• Experience with maker projects, electronics, microcontrollers, 3D printing, CNC machining, or similar hands-on activities is an advantage.

We offer

We offer a stimulating and diverse working environment with a high level of autonomy, opportunities to develop a broad range of technical skills, and the chance to contribute directly to the next phase of LéXPLORE, a leading research platform addressing major environmental challenges.

At EPFL, we believe that people achieve great results when they feel supported, respected and enabled to succeed. By joining our community, you will help shape the future of society through education, research and innovation.

Beyond work, our campuses host a vibrant community and unique environment, enriched by initiatives promoting equality, inclusion, diversity, well-being and sustainability as well as an engaging program of cultural, sports and community activities throughout the year.

Deadline for the application 7th December 2026. Interviews early January 2027.