This PhD position is part of the MSCA Consortium WATER (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Innovative Training Network), within Project ADC3, and is jointly hosted by ORYL Photonics (industrial partner, Biopôle Lausanne) and the Laboratory for fundamental BioPhotonics at EPFL (degree-granting institution).
The project focuses on the development and application of ultra-fast light scattering techniques, combining second-harmonic scattering (SHS) and linear scattering (LS), to address fundamental and applied questions related to biomolecular solubility, crystallization propensity, and intermolecular interactions. These phenomena are central to pharmaceutical discovery and development workflows, spanning modalities from small molecules to biologics.
As a PhD researcher, you will work at the interface of fundamental biophotonics and industrial application development. Your research will contribute both to new physical understanding of light–matter interactions at interfaces and to the translation of these insights into robust, high-throughput methodologies deployed in industrial environments.
PhD Researcher – Applications of Ultra-Fast Light Scattering (MSCA Consortium WATER, Project ADC3)
Epalinges
Full-time
Working Student
Description
Key Responsibilities
The PhD project will combine experimental biophotonics, data analysis, and application-driven method development, with outcomes suitable for both peer-reviewed publications and industrial deployment.
You will:
You will:
- Develop and apply ultra-fast SHS and LS measurement strategies to probe biomolecular interfaces and aggregation phenomena.
- Investigate the relationship between combined SHS–LS signals and physicochemical properties such as solubility, crystallization propensity, and intermolecular interactions.
- Contribute to the fundamental understanding of light–matter interactions in complex biological and pharmaceutical systems.
- Translate experimental insights into robust, reproducible, and scalable measurement methodologies suitable for industrial workflows.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and computational tools.
- Collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners within the MSCA WATER network.
- Disseminate results through scientific publications, conference presentations, application notes, and—where appropriate—patents.
Profile
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biophysics, or a closely related field.
- Strong experimental background in the lab and interest in optics, photonics, or physical chemistry.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
- Strong communication skills in English, both written and oral.
- Experience with nonlinear optics, light scattering, or spectroscopy.
- Familiarity with data analysis, signal processing, or scientific programming.
- Interest in translating fundamental research into applied or industrial contexts.
- Prior exposure to pharmaceutical research is an asset but not required.
- Candidates must satisfy MSCA mobility rules (i.e., not having resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment).
- Candidates must apply and be admitted to one of the following EPFL Doctoral Programs: EDBB, EDPO, EDMX or EDEE. The process can be expedited if the candidate has already been selected by ORYL.
What we offer
- A PhD position within a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, offering structured doctoral training, international exposure, and a strong professional network.
- A unique research environment at the intersection of academia and industry, combining EPFL’s world-class research infrastructure with the agility and impact of a growing photonics startup.
- Direct involvement in the development of industrial-grade scientific instrumentation and methodologies.
- Opportunities to contribute to both high-impact scientific publications and technology-driven intellectual property.
- Close interaction with academic and industrial partners across Europe, spanning diverse therapeutic and technological domains.
About us
ORYL Photonics is a startup located in Epalinges near Lausanne (Switzerland). We are the first company to commercialize laboratory instruments based on Second Harmonic Scattering, a non-linear optical effect which is triggered using femtosecond lasers. We have just launched our first instrument, the ORYL F1, tailored for solubility and aggregation-research within industrial and academic life science laboratories.