About the lab and your mission
Deplancke Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics (EPFL)
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The Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics, led by Prof. Bart Deplancke, is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to contribute to the development of the next-generation Live-seq instrument, an advanced microfluidic platform that integrates droplet microfluidics with fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM) for continuous, high-throughput single-cell biopsy and live-cell transcriptomics.
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Live-seq relies on FluidFM to extract minute quantities of cytoplasmic fluid from living cells for downstream high-sensitivity RNA sequencing, enabling non-destructive, spatio-temporal transcriptome profiling of single cells. Your work will help transition Live-seq from a low-throughput, operator-dependent method into a robust, automated, high-throughput technology with transformative applications in biology, medicine, and drug discovery.
Main duties and responsibilities
As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:
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Have full responsibility for your own dissertation
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Research in close collaboration with industry partners
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Experiment design and execution
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Analyze and interpret experimental results
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Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
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Present at international conferences
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Participate in education and supervise student projects
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More specifically, within this project, you will:
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Design, assemble, and optimize a microfluidic module that integrates picoliter droplet microfluidics with next-generation MEMS nanofluidic cantilever probes for continuous cytoplasmic sampling using FluidFM.
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Integrate this micro鈥搉anofluidic module with MEMS cantilever probes from the Fantner lab and with the semi-automated FluidFM system, pressure-control units, and automated sample-dispensing stage developed by Cytosurge, creating a seamless operational platform.
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Perform iterative testing, troubleshooting, and refinement to deliver a robust prototype suitable for routine biological experiments.
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Conduct temporal Live-seq validation experiments using an established cell-differentiation model, benchmarking throughput, transcriptome quality, sensitivity, and overall system performance.
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Document results, present findings to collaborators, and contribute to scientific publications.
Profile
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A MSc degree
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Background in bioengineering, mechanical or chemical engineering, biophysics, microfluidics/nanofluidics, or a related discipline.
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Strong motivation to work at the interface of fluidics, instrumentation, system integration, and cutting-edge single-cell biology.
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Prior experience with micro or nanofluidics and pressure-driven flow systems is strongly valued.
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Organized, proactive, and comfortable working both independently and within a collaborative team.
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Enthusiasm, scientific curiosity, eager to learn, good organizational skills, rigor in experimental work.
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High level of motivation for academic research work.
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Fluency in English is essential [French / German / Italian would be an asset].
We offer
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Excellent working conditions in a multidisciplinary, world-class research environment.
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Direct involvement in the development of a transformative single-cell technology.
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A uniquely collaborative setting spanning the Deplancke lab (pioneers of Live-seq), the Fantner lab (leaders in MEMS probe engineering), and Cytosurge AG (developers of FluidFM).
Informations
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The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology and Bioengineering (EDBB) to qualify for a PhD at EPFL.
Please check this page for additional information on admission.
Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.
Your application should contain:
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Application deadline: 15/02/2026
聽Contract Start Date: 01/04/2026
Activity Rate:聽100.00
Contract Type:聽CDD
Reference: 1941
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For more information, please contact: orane.guillaume-gentil@epfl.ch