Post-doc on topology optimization, Lausanne

About Us And Our Project The Chair of Numerical Modelling and Simulation at EPFL is dedicated to the design and analysis of numerical algorithms for partial differential equations. Our research is oriented towards the development of novel and innovative numerical techniques aiming at improving the integration between numerical simulations and geometric modelling and processing.

Within the project«FLASh: Fast simulation tools for LAttice Structures», funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, we are opening a postdoctoral position for developing efficient algorithms for the topology optimisation of architected materials using finite element technique

What You Will Do As a postdoc in our group, you will lead research on the design and implementation of mathematically sound methods for the topology optimisation of architected materials, leveraging fast simulation techniques such as unfitted finite element methods, domain decomposition, reduced order modelling, or isogeometric analysis. You will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, contributing to both the theoretical development and the software implementation of these methods. More specifically:

Lead and contribute to research projects in the broad areas of numerical simulation and topology optimisation, within FLASh and related initiatives

Develop, implement, and maintain in‑house simulation and topology optimisation software

Analyse, interpret, and publish results in leading international journals

Present your work at national and international conferences and build a strong network in the field

Mentor and co‑supervise PhD and Master students

Contribute to teaching activities within the group

Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and project reports

You are the ideal candidate if

You hold a PhD (or are nearing completion of one) in mathematics, computational mechanics, engineering, or a related field

You have a strong background in topology optimisation, ideally with experience in density‑based methods (SIMP), level‑set approaches, or related design‑for‑manufacturing frameworks

You have research experience in numerical methods for PDEs: finite element methods, immersed/unfitted methods, homogenisation, or isogeometric analysis are particularly relevant

You are proficient in Python; prior experience with the FEniCS library is a plus; C++ knowledge is an additional asset

You have strong computational skills, including the implementation of simulation and optimisation pipelines; experience with HPC or large‑scale scientific computing is a plus

You have a publication record (relative to your career stage) in internationally leading journals in computational mechanics, applied mathematics, or related areas

You are passionate about mathematics and scientific computing, and motivated by challenging problems

You are independent, creative, and solution‑oriented, with strong self‑management skills and the ability to drive research forward with limited supervision

You think critically and are eager to work at the interface of numerical simulation and structural design for lattice/metamaterial architectures

You communicate excellently in written and oral English

You are a team player, open to interdisciplinary collaboration

We offer

A stimulating and international working environment located in beautiful Switzerland

Competitive salary and excellent working conditions. More information can be found on our website

Opportunity to perform state‑of‑the‑art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe.

Opportunity to interact with internationally renowned experts, and with a strong team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students

Friendly and supportive team culture

A 1+1 years contract

If you are interested

A brief cover letter (pdf, up to 2 pages).

A CV with a publication list.

Contact details for 2 referees.

For any further information, please contact: pablo.antolin AT epfl.ch

Starting date: September 1st 2026 (flexible)

Activity Rate: 100%

Duration: 1+1 years

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