Postdoctoral Researcher in Advanced Flexure-Mechanism Design

EPFL - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Mission

The Micromechanical and Horological Design Laboratory (INSTANT-LAB) at EPFL invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in advanced flexure-mechanism design.

Flexure-based mechanisms achieve motion through the elastic deformation of slender structural elements rather than through conventional sliding or rolling joints. As a class of compliant mechanisms, they enable exceptional motion precision in demanding environments such as space systems, cryogenic applications, ultra-clean settings, microelectromechanical systems, and surgical instruments.

Their main advantages include frictionless operation, the absence of backlash, reduced maintenance requirements, excellent repeatability, and long service life. Their monolithic architecture also facilitates miniaturization and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating assembly steps.

Despite significant advances in the field, flexure-mechanism design continues to be constrained by performance trade-offs. Improvements in motion range, load-carrying capability, or stiffness often result in compromises elsewhere. In addition, high-performance designs are frequently sensitive to manufacturing variations, requiring tight tolerances and increasing production costs.

Main duties and responsibilities

He or she will contribute to the development of a new design and modelling framework for flexure-based mechanisms that simultaneously addresses multiple performance criteria and robustness to manufacturing tolerances.

The project combines fundamental research supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation with an industrial collaboration supported by the Swiss Innovation Agency. The successful candidate will work closely with an industrial partner whose products rely on advanced adjustable-stiffness flexure-based load cells.

He or she will build upon more than fourteen years of expertise developed within INSTANT-LAB, an established patent portfolio, and long-standing industrial collaborations.

The main responsibilities include:

• Developing analytical and numerical models for flexure-based mechanisms;
• Designing innovative precision-engineering solutions;
• Conducting experimental validation and performance testing;
• Publishing research results in leading scientific journals;
• Collaborating with academic and industrial partners;
• Contributing to the advancement of the laboratory's research activities.

Profile

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Microengineering, Robotics, or a closely related field;
• Expertise in analytical and numerical structural mechanics, mechanical design, and precision engineering;
• At least two peer-reviewed journal publications;
• Strong experimental skills and a practical, hands-on approach;
• Experience in industrial collaborations is considered an asset;
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research;
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment;
• Creative, solution-oriented, and open-minded attitude;
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of French is an advantage.