PhD Candidate in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications

PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications (SDC18)

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ENDOTRAIN is a Horizon Europe Doctoral Training Network dedicated to transforming the diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders through cutting-edge digital tools. This initiative aims to train a new generation of interdisciplinary experts who integrate clinical endocrinology, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, ethics, and law into the rapidly evolving field of digital endocrinology. Are you interested in joining this dynamic team?

ETH Zürich stands as one of Europe's foremost technical universities, situated in the heart of Switzerland. The selected PhD candidate will be positioned at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and the Department of Health Sciences and Technology, offering a unique interdisciplinary blend of cutting-edge research in engineering, health, and technology.

Project Background

This project is part of Work Package 2 of the ENDOTRAIN network, focusing on the utilization of nanotechnology-enhanced electrochemical sensors for highly sensitive, selective, and reversible biomarker sensing. The work primarily aims at designing and fabricating functional electrode coating materials (nano-enzymes) and surface architectures that facilitate reversible analyte binding, ensure high signal stability, and resist biofouling during long-term operations. The PhD candidate will collaborate with the Human-centered Sensing Laboratory (Prof. Andreas Güntner) and the Laboratory of Exercise and Health (Prof. Katrien de Bock).

Job Description

The candidate is expected to dedicate full-time efforts to the project and should not have resided or conducted their main activities (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to their recruitment date. The student will enroll in the structured PhD program of the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering or the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Participation in the interdisciplinary training of the ENDOTRAIN network is essential, including workshops, retreats, transferable skills courses, and cohort-wide meetings across Europe.

Specific Tasks May Include:

• Engineering of redox-active or affinity-based interfaces (nanoparticles, single-atom isolates, artificial enzymes) with tunable binding kinetics
• Integrating sensors with transduction schemes that deliver high sensitivity and selectivity in complex media
• Validating in controlled in vitro and ex vivo systems, enabling quantitative correlations between electrochemical signals and dynamic biochemical processes
• Supporting in vivo tests in mouse models and clinical trials

Secondments:

• Imperial College London (UK): Electrochemical sensing strategies
• University Hospital Zurich (CH): Testing of sampler on humans

Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master's degree (MSc or equivalent) in (Electro-)Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• A strong interest in translational health technologies
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Good communication skills and the capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Ideally: Experience in sensor design, nanoparticle fabrication, and single-atom catalysts

Applicants must fulfill the eligibility criteria for Swiss-based PhD positions and should be willing to participate in training activities across Europe.

Starting date: before August 2026

Workplace

We Offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer, proud to provide excellent working conditions. You can anticipate a stimulating working environment, rich cultural diversity, and various attractive offers and benefits. We provide:

• A competitive salary in accordance with Swiss National Science Foundation regulations
• Full social security coverage in Switzerland
• A travel and secondment budget
• Opportunities for international networking, industry exposure, and career development

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are honored. We encourage you to visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that empowers everyone to thrive. Sustainability is at the core of our mission, and we consistently strive towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

We look forward to receiving your application accompanied by the following documents:

• Cover letter detailing your research achievements and interests
• Detailed CV
• Transcripts of all degrees, including ranking information (in English)
• Names and contact details of at least three references
• Representative published research work (Papers, thesis if available)

Informal inquiries may be directed to Prof. Andreas Güntner at andregue@ethz.ch. For more information, you may visit the Human-centered Sensing Laboratory and Laboratory of Exercise and Health at ETH Zurich.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are known for our exceptional education, groundbreaking fundamental research, and the direct application of new knowledge in society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university encourages independent thinking and fosters an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we are connected globally as we collaborate to devise solutions for contemporary and future challenges.