Postdoctoral and PhD Positions in Neurotechnology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Summary

The Neurotechnology Group led by Prof. Mehmet Fatih Yanik at ETH Zurich is recruiting outstanding postdoctoral researchers and PhD students for a newly funded LOOP Zurich Flagship Project. The project focuses on advancing a non-invasive, focused ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery platform for localized delivery of therapeutic compounds to the brain, moving from proof-of-concept toward first-in-human clinical translation.

Overview

Designation

• PhD Candidate (enrolled in D-ITET, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroinformatics & Neuroscience Center Zurich – ZNZ)
• Postdoctoral Researcher (affiliated with the Institute of Neuroinformatics)

Research Area

• Targeted Brain Drug Delivery & Nanomedicine
• Ultrasound-Responsive Drug Carrier Formulations (microbubbles, nanodroplets, liposomes, polymeric/lipid nanoparticles)
• Colloid Chemistry, Microfluidics & Formulation Engineering
• Translational Neurotechnology & Preclinical In Vivo Models

Location

• Zurich, Switzerland (ETH Zurich Campus)

Eligibility & Qualifications

Degree Requirements

• PhD Applicants: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree and preferably a Master’s degree.
• Postdoctoral Applicants: Must hold a PhD with a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Eligible Disciplines: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences / Pharmaceutics, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, or closely related fields.

Key Skills & Profile

• Excellent academic track record from reputable institutions.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Experimental experience in drug carrier synthesis, colloid chemistry, or microfluidic formulation/purification.
• Practical knowledge of characterization techniques (HPLC, DLS, zeta potential, electron microscopy, release kinetics).
• Willingness to participate in animal experiments (preclinical in vivo studies, biodistribution, small animal imaging/surgery).
• Strong communication skills with an ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Job Description

Successful candidates will lead the chemical formulation, engineering, and preclinical validation of ultrasound-responsive drug carriers:

• Design & Formulation: Synthesize and engineer responsive carriers (liposomes, nanodroplets, microbubbles, lipid/polymeric nanoparticles).
• Process & Optimization: Optimize loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, and ultrasound-triggered release kinetics.
• Characterization: Perform physicochemical profiling (morphology, stability under ultrasound/physiological conditions, zeta potential, size).
• Evaluation: Conduct in vitro and in vivo release kinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy assessments.
• Translational Preparation: Collaborate with clinicians and engineers to develop quality-controlled formulations compliant with regulatory standards for first-in-human trials.

How to Apply

1. Prepare a single combined PDF document containing:
   • Cover Letter (1 page): Clearly stating whether applying for the PhD or Postdoctoral position, along with motivation and research interests.
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV).
   • Transcripts & Degree Certificates: Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts (for PhD applicants) or PhD certificate and transcripts (for Postdoc applicants).
   • Publication List (if applicable).
   • References: Contact details for at least two academic referees.
2. Submit your application directly through the ETH Zurich Online Application Portal.
3. Note: Applications via email or regular post are not accepted. Inquiries can be sent to ntjobs@ethz.ch.

Last Date to Apply

• Open until filled (Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early application is strongly encouraged).

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