PhD Candidate in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications / 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. ENDOTRAIN will train a new generation of interdisciplinary experts who integrate clinical endocrinology, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, ethics, and law into the evolving field of digital endocrinology. Are you interested in joining our team?

ETH Zürich, one of Europe's foremost technical universities, is located in the heart of Switzerland. The PhD candidate will be positioned within 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 use of nanotechnology-enhanced electrochemical sensors for highly sensitive, selective, and reversible biomarker sensing. The work will emphasize designing and fabricating functional electrode coating materials (nano-enzymes) and surface architectures that facilitate reversible analyte binding, ensure high signal stability, and maintain resistance to biofouling during long-term operation. The PhD candidate will be co-hosted by the Human-centered Sensing Laboratory (Prof. Andreas Güntner) and the Laboratory of Exercise and Health (Prof. Katrien de Bock).

Job Description

The candidate will work full-time on the project and must have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding their recruitment date. The student will be enrolled in the structured PhD programme of either 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 mandatory, 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 them with transduction schemes to deliver high sensitivity and selectivity in complex media
• Validation 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
• Strong interest in translational health technologies
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Good communication skills and capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Ideally: Experience in sensor design, nanoparticle fabrication, or single-atom catalysts

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

Starting date: Before August 2026

Workplace

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment enriched with cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits. We offer:

• Competitive salary according to Swiss National Science Foundation regulations
• Full social security coverage in Switzerland
• Travel and secondment budget included
• Opportunities for international networking, industry exposure, and career development

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:

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

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For informal inquiries, please contact Prof. Andreas Güntner at andregue@ethz.ch. More information on the involved research groups can be found here: Homepage - Human-centered Sensing Laboratory | ETH Zurich and Homepage - Laboratory of Exercise and Health | ETH Zurich.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and a culture of excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we are committed to developing solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.