Summary
Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology), an institution of the ETH Domain, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD Position in Nanomedicine. The project focuses on developing lipid-based nanoparticles for the controlled co-delivery of multiple genetic cargos to cancer cells. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary setting across the Laboratory for Biointerfaces and the Center for X-ray Analytics in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
PhD Position in Nanomedicine: Quantitative Design of Multi-Cargo Nanoparticles for Cancer Gene Delivery
Position Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Position / Designation | PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher |
| Institution | Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) – ETH Domain |
| Department / Lab | Laboratory for Biointerfaces & Center for X-ray Analytics |
| Research Groups | Bio–Nano Assembly and Cell-/Tissue Materials Interactions |
| Location | St. Gallen, Switzerland |
| Employment Type | Full-time (3 years, with potential extension for 1 additional year) |
| Application Mode | Online via Empa Job Portal |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (Early applications encouraged) |
Designation
- PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher in Nanomedicine
Research Area
- Nanomedicine & Cancer Therapeutics
- Lipid Nanoparticles & Gene Delivery (Nucleic Acids)
- Colloidal Chemistry & Self-Assembly
- Biointerfaces, Advanced X-ray Analytics & Biophysical Characterization
- Cellular / Molecular Biology & 3D Tissue In Vitro Models
Location
- Empa St. GallenLerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Degree: Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.
- Analytical Skills: Quantitative mindset with solid analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
- Core Interests: Strong interest in soft matter, self-assembly, nanomedicine, nanoparticles, or drug/gene delivery systems.
- Technical Experience (Desirable/Advantageous):
- Hands-on laboratory experience in nanoparticle formulation and physicochemical characterization.
- Experience with molecular/cellular biology techniques (cell culture, nucleic acid handling, transfection, flow cytometry, microscopy).
- Familiarity with advanced characterization methods (e.g., small-angle X-ray scattering [SAXS], fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy [FCCS]).
- Programming and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, R, etc.).
- Languages: Proficiency in written and spoken English (German is a plus).
Scholarship / Position Description
About the Project:
This PhD project aims to develop lipid-based nanoparticles for the controlled co-delivery of multiple genetic cargos into cancer cells. A central scientific challenge involves understanding and steering how distinct nucleic acids co-encapsulate inside a single nanoparticle, and determining how their organization dictates delivery performance in complex 2D and 3D in vitro tissue environments.
Key Responsibilities & Tasks:
- Formulate and engineer lipid-based nanoparticles using colloidal self-assembly principles.
- Characterize nanoparticle structure, cargo co-encapsulation efficiency, stability, and kinetics via advanced spectroscopy and scattering techniques (e.g., FCCS, SAXS).
- Carry out cell-based assays to examine cellular uptake, transfection, and biological mechanisms in 2D cell cultures and 3D tissue models.
- Correlate physicochemical properties with biological outcomes to establish design rules for next-generation multi-cargo gene delivery.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research at international conferences.
What Empa Offers:
- Fully funded PhD contract within the world-renowned ETH Domain.
- State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and advanced analytical facilities.
- Expert mentorship, collaborative interdisciplinary teams, and career development opportunities.
How to Apply
- Prepare your application dossier in English (compiled as PDF documents):
- Letter of Motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Degree Diplomas & Academic Transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
- Submit your application directly through the official Empa Online Application Portal.
Note: Applications sent by email or standard postal mail are not accepted.
Contact Information
- Scientific Inquiries: Dr. Bruno Silva (Center for X-ray Analytics) – bruno.silva@empa.ch
- HR Contact: Sarah Stüdli, HR Partner
Last Date to Apply
- Open until filled / Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
