Doctoral Position: Development of an Organ-on-chip platform 100%

ETH Zürich; Basel; On-site; CHF 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zurich’s Bioanalytics Group in Basel is offering a Doctoral Position to develop an organ-on-chip model system. The project combines engineering and biology to design microfluidic platforms, optimize biological assays and perform imaging with data analysis for cancer metastasis research.

The successful candidate will work across disciplines, learn novel methods, and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications while collaborating with partners in an interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in microsystems engineering, biomedical engineering or interdisciplinary study programmes.
• Experiences in the field of microfluidics.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Design and manufacture a microfluidic platform as part of the doctoral project.
• Develop, optimize and test biochemical assays.
• Perform imaging (time-lapse microscopy), data analysis and interpretation.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in group meetings and collaborative research discussions.
• Interact with group members and collaboration partners.

Skills

Microfluidics

English communication

Teamwork

Education

Master’s in microsystems engineering

Interdisciplinary bioengineering background

Job description

The Bioanalytics Group at ETH Zürich in Basel (Switzerland) is developing so-called lab-on-chip technology (or microfluidic technology) for applications across the life sciences and biomedicine. Our interdisciplinary approach includes the design and manufacturing of miniaturized platforms and their optimization for biochemical assays and analytical procedures. To strengthen our team, we are offering a Doctoral Position for developing an organ-on-chip model system.

Project background

Organ-on-chip systems, also known as microphysiological systems, are promising platforms for investigating disease development and evaluating potential treatments. Their miniaturized design enables the reproducible and controlled formation of human tissues with specific functions, as well as the parallelized study of biological processes.

In the Bioanalytics Group, we are developing vascularized tissue models to investigate how cells, cell-secreted molecules, and drugs cross the endothelial barrier to reach surrounding tissues and how compounds translocate from tissue into the blood stream.

As part of a project focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis, we are looking for a motivated Doctoral student interested in experimental research at the interface of engineering and biology.

Job description

• Design and manufacture a microfluidic platform
• Develop, optimize and test biological assays
• Perform imaging (time-lapse microscopy), data analysis and interpretation
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Participate actively in group meetings and collaborative research discussion meeting
• Interact and collaborate with other members of the group and collaboration partners

Profile

• Master`s degree in microsystems engineering, biomedical engineering or interdisciplinary study programmes
• Candidates with background in biology, bioengineering, biotechnology, material sciences or microbiology, with a strong interest in technology development, are welcome to apply as well
• Experiences in the field of microfluidics
• The combination of biological and technological aspects is central in our group and in this project
• A possible candidate should have strong disposition to learn and improve novel methods, should be very open to different research disciplines and should be able to communicate across disciplines
• Good communication (in English) and teamwork skills

We offer

• An intellectually challenging position in the inspiring atmosphere of an interdisciplinary team, and the prospect to obtain a Doctoral degree from ETH Zurich
• Applied work in a multidisciplinary team
• Advanced training in different related fields and participation at international conferences is highly encouraged

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Petra S. Dittrich, [e-mail] (no applications).

Further information about the Department and the Institute can be found on the following Websites: D-BSSE and Bioanalytics Group.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.