Postdoctoral Position in Advanced Bioelectronic & Electrical Conversion Research 100%

ETH Zurich; Basel; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport season tickets

Car sharing

ASVZ sports

Childcare

Attractive pension benefits

Job summary

ETH Zurich in Basel invites exceptional candidates for a Postdoctoral position in bioelectronics, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology. The role combines catalyst engineering, computational simulation, and bioelectrode device fabrication to enable real-time metabolic monitoring and programmable cellular control.

The group works at the intersection of biology, engineering, and physical sciences, fostering collaborations with materials science, physics, and chemistry to advance translational

Qualifications

• We are seeking candidates with a strong background in physics, materials science, or chemistry.
• Experience in bioelectronics or software simulations is preferred, with willingness to learn.
• Solid knowledge of electrochemistry and materials chemistry required.

Responsibilities

• Develop bioelectronic interfaces enabling closed-loop programming of cellular behaviour.
• Monitor metabolic activity and assist in design of bioelectronic implants and control software.

Skills

Bioelectronics

Software simulations

Electrochemistry

Materials chemistry

Physics background

Education

PhD in physics / chemistry / materials science

Tools

Bioelectrode fabrication

Job description

A World-Class Research Environment at the Nexus of Biology, Engineering, and Physical Sciences

The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group led by Prof. Dr. Martin Fussenegger at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of ETH Zurich in Basel invites exceptional candidates to apply for a Postdoc position in pioneering projects at the intersection of synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and bioelectronics.

The D-BSSE is ETH Zurich's first truly interdisciplinary research department uniting theoretical and experimental biology with advanced bioengineering and fostering close collaborations with leaders in materials science, physics, and chemistry to drive transformative advances in systems biology, biotechnology, and synthetic biology. Situated in Basel, Switzerland, at the heart of the BioValley, a tri-national region that hosts 40% of the global life sciences industry and numerous major pharmaceutical companies, the D-BSSE offers a unique environment for high-impact translational research with unparalleled access to academic and industrial expertise.

Project background

Advancing the Frontiers of Bioelectronics and Synthetic Biology

Our group integrates state-of-the-art synthetic biology with advanced nanotechnology, and electrogenetic interfaces to engineer human cells for next generation bioelectronic medicine, designing programmable cells that respond to electrical, electromagnetic, acoustic and biochemical cues to achieve wireless, real-time control of therapeutic protein expression and metabolic regulation. Leveraging innovative platforms such as direct-current-actuated regulation, electromagnetic programming of wireless expression, and closed-loop systems, we aim to translate these technologies into clinically relevant, minimally invasive therapies for cancer, as well as metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and infectious diseases.

Job description

• Postdoctoral projects will combine catalyst engineering, computational simulation, bioelectrode device fabrication, and electrical engineering to develop bioelectronic interfaces enabling closed-loop programming of cellular behaviour and real-time monitoring of metabolic activity
• There will also be opportunities to design novel bioelectronic implants and develop specialized control software

Profile

• We are seeking highly motivated applicants with a background in physics, material science, or chemistry
• Ideally with expertise in bioelectronics or software simulations, or a strong willingness to acquire it, alongside solid knowledge of electrochemistry and materials chemistry
• Candidates should be eager to collaborate closely with molecular biologists and bioengineers and demonstrate a strong academic record with the ambition to pursue a career in industrial R&D, or entrepreneurship

We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• A list of publications
• A motivation letter
• Three letters of recommendation
• A brief research plan (1 page)

Further information about Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering can be found on our Website or in our published work. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Professor Martin Fussenegger, [e-mail] (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.