The School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor of Environmental Resource Biorecovery, located within the Institute of Environmental Engineering (IIE).

Biological wastes generated from wastewater treatment, industry or agriculture are a largely untapped source for production of value-added products or energy. Their recovery utilizes biological and chemical processes that provide alternative sources for chemical feedstocks for the production of different products (e.g., plastics or other polymers, high-value chemicals, protein for animal feed, enzymes). For instance, nutrients, cellulose, volatile fatty acids, extracellular polymeric substances or proteins can be recovered from wastewater and activated sludge. Similarly, many opportunities exist for alternative energy products, e.g., bioethanol, biobutanol, biogas, biohydrogen or bioelectricity. Resource biorecovery thus supports sustainability goals by reinjecting products into the circular economy.

EPFL is a growing and well-funded institution fostering excellence and diversity. It is well equipped with experimental and computational infrastructure, and offers a fertile environment for interdisciplinary research collaboration. The EPFL environment is multilingual and multicultural, with English serving as a common interface. EPFL offers internationally competitive start-up resources, salaries and benefits. Besides its main Lausanne campus, EPFL operates antenna sites across Western Switzerland, in Fribourg, Geneva, Neuchâtel and Sion.

Candidate requirements

We welcome applications from experimentalists whose research interests include wastewater, and who employ a range of investigative tools. In particular, candidates using multi-omics approaches combined with a systems biology component are encouraged to apply. Within EPFL, the appointee will have excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations spanning microbiology, biochemistry, biosensing and biotechnology.

We seek an outstanding individual who will lead an internationally recognized research program that leverages the opportunities offered by EPFL. The professor will be committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate level teaching, and will contribute to the Environmental Engineering program, which emphasizes basic and translational research as the foundation for environmental adaption and engineering design.

How to apply

Applications should be uploaded to the EPFL recruitment website.

The following documents are requested in PDF format: cover letter including a statement of motivation, curriculum vitae, publication list, concise statements of research and teaching interests (up to 5 pages for each statement) as well as the names and addresses, including emails, of at least three references (may be contacted at a later stage).

Formal evaluation of the applications will begin on April 1, 2021. The search will continue until the position is filled.

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

Further enquiries

Prof. Tamar Kohn
Chair of the Search Committee
E-mail: searchbioresource@epfl.ch