PhD - Engineering a Microfluidic Platform for Next-Generation Live-seq

About the lab and your missionDeplancke Laboratory of Systems Biology and Genetics (EPFL)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.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 responsibilitiesAs a PhD Student, you will be expected to:Have full responsibility for your own dissertationResearch in close collaboration with industry partnersExperiment design and executionAnalyze and interpret experimental resultsWrite scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journalsPresent at international conferencesParticipate in education and supervise student projectsMore specifically, within this project, you will: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.Integrate this micro–nanofluidic 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.Perform iterative testing, troubleshooting, and refinement to deliver a robust prototype suitable for routine biological experiments.Conduct temporal Live-seq validation experiments using an established cell-differentiation model, benchmarking throughput, transcriptome quality, sensitivity, and overall system performance.Document results, present findings to collaborators, and contribute to scientific publications.ProfileA MSc degreeBackground in bioengineering, mechanical or chemical engineering, biophysics, microfluidics/nanofluidics, or a related discipline.Strong motivation to work at the interface of fluidics, instrumentation, system integration, and cutting-edge single-cell biology.Prior experience with micro or nanofluidics and pressure-driven flow systems is strongly valued.Organized, proactive, and comfortable working both independently and within a collaborative team.Enthusiasm, scientific curiosity, eager to learn, good organizational skills, rigor in experimental work.High level of motivation for academic research work.Fluency in English is essential [French / German / Italian would be an asset].We offerExcellent working conditions in a multidisciplinary, world-class research environment.Direct involvement in the development of a transformative single-cell technology.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).InformationsThe 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:A motivation LetterYour detailed CVContact informationThe names and contact information of 3 references willing to write a recommendation letterApplication deadline: 15/02/2026 Contract Start Date: 01/04/2026Activity Rate: 100.00Contract Type: CDDReference: 1941For more information, please contact: orane.guillaume-