PhD Position: Nanotechnology for Chemical Sensors in Medical Diagnostics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Human-centered Sensing Laboratory (HSL) at ETH Zürich is looking for a doctoral student to perform fundamental and applied research on nanotechnology for chemical sensing. The position is integrated into the Zurich Exhalomics flagship project that aims to develop novel medical diagnostics based on breath analysis.

The research of HSL (Prof. Andreas Güntner) centers around physics, chemistry, and medicine to gain a new fundamental understanding of micro/nanosystems for receptors and transducers to advance their fabrication and application in chemical sensing. The development of new technologies from conception to device engineering with validated performance under real conditions tackling healthcare and environmental issues is a particular emphasis. Embedded at ETH Zürich and closely connected to the University Hospital Zürich, our lab features a unique bouquet of fundamental and applied research to respond to our society’s needs.

Project background

Breath sensors can revolutionize medical diagnostics by on-demand detection and monitoring of health parameters in a noninvasive and personalized fashion. Despite extensive research for more than two decades, however, only a few breath sensors have been translated into clinical practice. Most never even left the scientific laboratories.

Nanotechnology offers solutions to tackle this by creating chemoresponsive materials with large specific surface areas to detect even the smallest traces of analytes. Recent advances in surface engineering at the nanoscale enable us to match the material's surface chemistry to the analyte. This yields highly selective sensors that can meet the stringent requirements of breath analysis.

Job description

This PhD position offers students an exciting opportunity to perform cutting-edge research on the fundamentals and applications of nanostructured gas sensors. You will contribute to the development of a breath sensor for the detection of metabolic disorders in close collaboration with clinical partners. Our key asset in designing these sensors is the nanoscale engineering with combustion aerosol techniques. After integration into handheld devices, you will test it on humans in a clinical setting.

We offer a full-time position for the duration of your doctoral studies. You will join an inclusive, diverse, and supportive working environment that praises scientific curiosity and creativity. As an integral part of your work, you will publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences. The earliest starting date is March 2024.

Your profile

We are looking for someone:

• highly motivated, creative, and excited to work in interdisciplinary teams
• with the ability to work independently and has excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken) to complete your profile
• with prior experience in chemical sensing, nanotechnology, and/or microfabrication is a plus
• who holds a Master's degree (or be close to its completion) in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, materials science, or closely related disciplines from an internationally recognized university.

We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds.

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 application with the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae, max. 2 pages

Transcripts of records, incl. grades

Contact information of two referees, incl. direct phone numbers

Please submit the application documents using only the ETH online portal in a single merged PDF document, titled with your last name and initials as well as the application date (for example, 20230101_name_application). Submission deadline is 10 January 2024.

For more information on our group can be found on our website . For further information please contact Prof. Andreas Güntner, [email protected] (e-mail applications will not be considered).

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.