PhD in in-vitro platforms for personalized combination therapy testing

Updated: over 2 years ago
Job Type: Permanent
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

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100%, Basel, fixed-term

The Bio Engineering Laboratory at the Department Biosystems Science and Engineering is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student with expertise in microtechnological fabrication (cleanroom) and microfluidics, who will want to work in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment in Basel, Switzerland.


Project background

The project will be carried out as a collaboration between the Bio Engineering Laboratory of ETH Zurich in Basel, which has demonstrated expertise in developing advanced in vitro testing platforms for microtissue spheroids, and the DMG/DIPG Center of the Children’s Hospital Zurich, which leads an international preclinical and clinical trial program involving 18 institutions with the goal of bringing new treatment strategies to the clinic.


Job description

In the framework of a Personalized Health and Related Technology (PHRT) project involving academic and clinical research partners, the student will develop a microfluidic platform for in vitro culturing of primary cancer microtissues and for monitoring, in real-time, the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological (e.g., focused ultrasound) combination treatments. High-resolution optical microscopy and supernatant analysis will be used to continuously monitor the response of the cancer microtissues to treatment. The microfluidic devices will be developed and tested in a collaborative effort together with a clinical partner. A state-of-the art cleanroom, a broad spectrum of engineering and testing equipment, as well as cell-culture and biological facilities are available in the group.

The position is planned for 3 - 4 years (PhD).


Your profile

For this highly interdisciplinary project, youshould have a solid background in physics and microengineering with a focus on microfluidics and microfabrication technologies (cleanroom and plastic fabrication processes). Previous experience in optical microscopy, cell culturing and in vitro bioassays is highly beneficial. Further, knowledge of simulation tools and electronics are important assets. Being successful in interdisciplinary work in the fields of microtechnology/electronics/biology requires good communication skills and a proactive work attitude. You must be able to fluently communicate in English (oral and written) and be willing to work in a highly interactive and collaborative international environment.


ETH Zurich

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.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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