The Neurotechnology Group of Prof. Mehmet Fatih Yanik at ETH Zurich is recruiting outstanding PhD students to join a newly funded LOOP Zurich Flagship Project. This project focuses on advancing breakthrough technology for non-invasive targeted drug delivery to the brain, utilizing focused ultrasound-mediated platforms to treat neurological disorders without invasive surgery.
Position Overview
Successful candidates will contribute to an interdisciplinary project at the interface of neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and translational medicine. The project involves developing advanced focused ultrasound systems, adaptive closed-loop control algorithms, and ultrasound-responsive therapeutic carriers.
| Institution | ETH Zurich |
| Designation | PhD Student |
| Department | Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (D-ITET) |
| Research Area | Neurotechnology & Precision Drug Delivery |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Employment Type | 100%, Fixed-term |
| Start Date | September 2026 (Flexible) |
Research Area
The research focuses on next-generation non-invasive neurotechnologies. Key areas include:
- Focused ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery.
- Adaptive closed-loop control algorithms.
- Ultrasound-responsive micro/nano therapeutic carriers.
- Real-time sensing and blood–brain barrier integrity monitoring.
- Translational neuroscience for treating epilepsy, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- An excellent academic record with strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Experimental laboratory experience (e.g., optics, electrophysiology, or biomedical instrumentation).
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
- Willingness to participate in animal experiments (rodent and large-animal models).
- Experience with mechanical design, prototyping, or medical imaging (fMRI) is highly desirable.
Scholarship Description
The PhD project aims to advance neurotechnology from proof-of-concept toward clinical translation. Depending on the candidate’s interests, responsibilities may include:
- Development of next-generation focused ultrasound systems and fMRI-guided treatment planning.
- Design of custom hardware and software for closed-loop neuromodulation.
- Performing preclinical validation in rodent and large-animal models.
- Collaborating with clinicians at the Swiss Epilepsy Clinic Lengg and University Hospital Zurich for first-in-human clinical studies.
Students will be enrolled in the Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ) PhD Program and will have access to world-class facilities, including 7 Tesla MRI, two-photon microscopy, and advanced microfabrication labs.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Candidates should prepare a single PDF document containing the following:
- A cover letter describing motivation and research interests.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts and degree certificates.
- Relevant publications (if applicable).
- Contact details for at least two academic referees.
Specific questions regarding the position can be directed to ntjobs@ethz.ch, though applications sent via email will not be considered.
Last Date for Apply
The preferred start date is September 2026. Applications are typically reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the positions will remain open until filled.
