Student Assistant: Microfluidic Engineering for Mechanobiology Studies

20%-50%, Zurich, fixed-term

Are you an engineering or material science student, who would like to help understand biology and cell behaviour? Are you fascinated by processes on the micron scale and like to build and try out new things? Have you maybe already worked with microfluidics, acoustofluidics or microscopy?

Then this position might be for you!

Project background

In this project, we are trying to better understand how immune and cancer cells interact with the mechanical forces surrounding them. For that, we are building a new research device to measure cell mechanical properties.

For that we are using microfluidics, droplet generation, simple microfabrication, acoustofluidics, voltage-amplifiers, fluorescent microscopy and image analysis, to put everything together into a new measurement method.

Job description

Your task will be to set up a new measurement method combining acoustofluidics and microfluidic droplets with cells. This involves learning and applying:

• Basics of droplet microfluidics + acoustofluidics
• Programming & automation
• Basics of wet lab and cell culture
• Simple microfarbication
• Simple electrical engineering
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Image analysis

Your profile

• You are a motivated student with an engineering or material science background, who that already gained some hands-on experience in a lab.
• Ideally you already gathered some skills in microfluidics, acoustofluidics, microscopy, microfabrication, modification of electrical circuits, and/or image analysis.
• You like to work independently, try out new things, come up with your own approaches, and communicate openly and proactively.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

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We value diversity

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.

Curious? So are we.

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

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

Further information about the group can be found on our website www.eyergroup.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Ines Lüchtefeld, [email protected] (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.