PhD Candidate in Microfluidics for Assembly of Synthetic Cells for Energy Production, Nutrient Metabolism and Molecular Transport / PhD Candidate in Microfluidics for Assembly of Synthetic Cells for Energy Production, Nutrient Metabolism and Molecular Tra

PhD Position in Microfluidics for Assembly of Synthetic Cells for Energy Production, Nutrient Metabolism, and Molecular Transport

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The deMello Group in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences at ETH Zürich, a world-leading institution in the development of novel microfluidic technologies, is looking for a motivated PhD student to engage in cutting-edge research in microfluidics and synthetic biology.

Project Background

Living systems depend on continuous energy conversion to maintain vital functions, transforming external energy sources into biochemical units like ATP and NAD(P)H to power metabolic processes. One innovative approach to understanding this complexity involves reconstructing a cell from scratch using a minimal set of components, which is the foundation for building synthetic cells. In the realm of synthetic biology, micrometer-sized lipid vesicles can act as artificial cells, providing an effective platform for reconstructing and manipulating essential biological functions.

However, current methods for generating giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) face significant challenges, such as size heterogeneity, inefficient membrane protein reconstitution, and limited compartmentalization. Overcoming these limitations is critical for engineering self-sustaining synthetic cells capable of autonomously regulating energy metabolism and biochemical processes.

Our approach merges microfluidic precision with synthetic biology to create synthetic cells that can autonomously manage energy metabolism and biochemical functions. This interdisciplinary research is a collaboration between ETH Zürich (Dr. Stavrakis) and the University of Bern (Prof. von Ballmoos), and the outcomes will pave the way for innovative applications in biotechnology, biosensing, and synthetic bioengineering, fundamentally contributing to the design and fabrication of programmable living systems.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop microfluidic platforms for reconstituting functional membrane proteins into lipid vesicles. The project combines microfluidics, super-resolution fluorescence imaging, and membrane protein biophysics to engineer synthetic cells that will autonomously regulate energy metabolism, biochemical synthesis, and nutrient transport, mimicking natural cellular homeostasis.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish microfluidic platforms for controlled fabrication of monodisperse synthetic vesicles with tunable membrane properties.
• Develop microfluidic strategies for membrane protein reconstitution into synthetic vesicle membranes.
• Collaboration with both the Zurich and Bern groups, including microfluidics setup and preparation of fluorescently labelled membrane proteins.
• Perform super-resolution microscopy of membrane proteins in the synthetic vesicles.

This project is highly interdisciplinary, fostering close collaboration with biochemists and biophysicists to accelerate the design and fabrication of programmable living systems.

Profile

• The successful candidate should hold an MSc degree in chemistry, biophysics, chemical or bio-engineering, with first-class grades.
• Basic experience in microfabrication and microfluidics, biophysics, and cell biology will be beneficial.
• Fluent communication skills (both written and presentation) in English are essential.
• The PhD candidate will join an excellent and highly ambitious team at the forefront of research in microfluidics and synthetic biology.

Workplace

ETH Zurich provides an inspiring environment for research and collaboration, situated in the heart of Zurich, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and high quality of life.

We Offer

• Your role will have a meaningful impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also contributes actively to positive change in society.
• Anticipate numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension plans.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich fosters 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 principle for us; we are continually 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.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, innovative research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich is home to over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries who find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.