PhD Position on Engineering of Machine Perfusion Platforms for Organ and Tissue Culture
Position Type: 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory (Prof. Mark W. Tibbitt) within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, engineers and applies advanced polymeric materials and medical devices for a range of biomedical and industrial applications. The group's recent focus includes the development of:
- Rational design of dynamic polymer networks;
- (Bio)material processing;
- Organ perfusion and regeneration;
- Tools to study mechanobiology and cell-matrix interactions;
- Engineered drug delivery systems.
The lab is composed of a highly interdisciplinary and international team of motivated researchers. To expand on our expertise in machine perfusion device design and to extend our platforms to new biological systems, we are recruiting a full-time (100%) doctoral candidate with a background in electrical or mechanical engineering, with an intended starting date on or after September 1, 2026.
Project Background
The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory has a long-standing research program focused on the engineering of ex situ organ perfusion systems, developed as part of the interdisciplinary Liver4Life project in collaboration with the University Hospital Zürich and the Wyss Zürich Translational Center. Over the past decade, the lab co-developed a normothermic machine perfusion platform that replicates key physiological functions—including pulsatile circulation, oxygenation, dialysis, and hormone and nutrient supplementation—allowing for the maintenance of organ viability outside the body for extended periods. This work has led to groundbreaking achievements, including:
- The first demonstration of human liver preservation for one week ex situ (Eshmuminov et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 2020);
- The first clinical transplantation of a liver treated and recovered in a perfusion machine (Clavien et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 2022).
Additionally, the lab has developed a compact machine perfusion platform for rat liver, enabling fundamental studies of organ metabolism, pharmacology, and perfusion biomarker discovery under controlled ex situ conditions.
Job Description
- The doctoral project will have two main thrusts. In the first, the student will develop expertise on the lab's existing machine perfusion platforms for human and rat liver.
- This will include learning the engineering design, assembly, and operation of the perfusion hardware; developing improved control software and sensor integration for real-time monitoring of physiological parameters (pH, oxygen tension, glucose, lactate, pressure, flow); and supporting ongoing perfusion experiments in collaboration with clinical and biological partners.
- In the second thrust, the student will conceive, design, and prototype next-generation perfusion-based platforms for new biological applications.
- The doctoral student is encouraged to contribute their own ideas to shape the direction of this work in discussion with the broader team.
- The student will work closely with, and be supported by, an interdisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, and clinicians both within the lab and through established partnerships with the Hub for Translational Research and Liver/GI Health.
- In addition to research, the PhD candidate is expected to contribute to lab duties and teaching, including student supervision, lecture support, and practical courses in the lab.
Profile
- We are seeking a curious, motivated, and self-driven individual with strong engineering fundamentals and a passion for building devices that operate at the interface of engineering and medicine.
- Academic excellence, a professional work attitude, and a proactive work ethic are essential.
- The candidate must be able to fluently communicate in English (oral and written) and be willing to work in a highly interactive, international team.
- Applicants must hold an MSc degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, process engineering, robotics, or a related field.
- A working knowledge of electromechanical system design, including sensors, actuators, pumps, and control systems, is required.
- Practical experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:
- Embedded systems programming and real-time control (e.g., LabVIEW, Simulink Real-Time, ROS, C/C++, STM32);
- Analog and digital PCB design;
- Machine design and prototyping (e.g., CAD modelling, 3D printing, machining);
- Biomedical device or microfluidic device development;
- Hands-on experience working in a biology or clinical research environment.
- The doctoral position is intended for four years at 100% employment and will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Mark W. Tibbitt.
- The position is conditional upon admission to the Doctoral Program at ETH Zurich.
Workplace
The position is hosted in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich, located in the Zentrum Campus in Zürich, Switzerland. D-MAVT is an interdisciplinary department focusing on process, mechanical, biomedical engineering, and robotics. ETH Zurich is a global leader in science and engineering and consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide. Zürich offers a vibrant international city atmosphere with access to outdoor activities, arts, culture, and a rich scientific community.
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 in which the rights and dignity of all 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 online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
- A cover letter of motivation describing your scientific interest in this position and main scientific achievements to date (max. 2 pages);
- CV;
- Diplomas and course transcripts;
- Contact details of three or more references.
Further information about the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Tibbitt at mtibbitt@ethz.ch (no applications).
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 research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we connect globally to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.