PhD Candidate in Development of a Microfluidic Platform for Diagnosis of Sepsis / PhD Candidate in Development of a Microfluidic Platform for Diagnosis of Sepsis

PhD Position in Development of a Microfluidic Platform for Diagnosis of Sepsis

100%, Basel, fixed-term

We are at the forefront of lab-on-chip technology (microfluidic technology) applied to the life sciences and biomedicine. Our interdisciplinary approach focuses on the design and manufacturing of miniaturized platforms, optimizing them for biochemical assays and analytical procedures.

We are excited to announce a PhD position as part of a fourth-year, third-party funded project.

Project Background

The RadiantDx project is a multidisciplinary initiative addressing the critical diagnosis of sepsis, a severe health condition that often manifests with nonspecific symptoms like high fever. Our goal is to enhance clinical decision-making by developing a miniaturized system for rapid sepsis diagnosis, thereby minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use and improving patient survival and recovery. Collaborating with researchers from the Institute of Medical Microbiology at the University of Zurich, the Department of Informatics at ETH Zurich, and various partners, we aim to integrate microfluidic technology, sequencing, and rapid data analysis to tackle this challenge.

In the Bioanalytics Group, a PhD student and a postdoctoral fellow will collaborate on different facets of the microfluidic platform and sample preparation.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will work on the following tasks:

• Design and manufacture a microfluidic platform
• Develop, optimize, and test biological assays
• Conduct imaging, data analysis, and interpretation
• Prepare platforms for clinical applications
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Actively participate in group and research consortium meetings
• Collaborate and interact with other group and consortium members

Profile

The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in microsystems engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related interdisciplinary study.
• Background in biology, bioengineering, biotechnology, or microbiology, with a strong interest in technology development.
• A willingness to learn and explore new methodologies across disciplines, along with strong communication skills in English.
• Proficient teamwork abilities.

Workplace

Join us in a stimulating and innovative environment located at ETH Zurich, where you will collaborate with leading experts from various fields.

We Offer

For the right candidate, we provide:

• An intellectually challenging role within an inspiring interdisciplinary team, with the opportunity to earn a PhD from ETH Zurich.
• Engaging, applied work in a diverse team including computer scientists, clinicians, and microbiologists.
• The chance to develop technology and methods that directly address patient needs.
• Opportunities for advanced training in various related fields.
• Increasing your personal skill set through various initiatives.
• Encouragement to participate in international conferences.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our principles, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a work and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. To learn more, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Additionally, sustainability is a core value for us, as we work continuously toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We welcome you to apply online using the form below with the following documents:

• A letter outlining your background, interests, and motivations.
• Your CV.
• Certificates including transcripts for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• Two reference letters.

For more information about the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, please visit our website. For inquiries about the position, contact Prof. Petra Dittrich at petra.dittrich@bsse.ethz.ch (no applications).

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities globally in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct application of knowledge to society, we host over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our institution promotes independent thinking and provides an environment that inspires excellence. Positioned at the heart of Europe, we collaborate worldwide to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.