Location: Zurich | Employment Rate: 100% | Contract Type: Fixed-term
We are seeking a curious and motivated PhD student to join our bionanophotonics team. This position involves working at the interface of nanophotonics and digital holography to advance the interrogation of chiral systems down to the nanometer scale.
Chirality is the geometric property of an object that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image. This property is not merely abstract; it plays a pivotal role in living systems, as most biomolecules are chiral. The interactions between chiral molecules, which exist in left-handed and right-handed forms known as enantiomers, are fundamental to many biological processes. The handedness of these molecules can drastically affect molecular interactions, influencing the distinction between a medical drug and a toxic substance. Thus, developing methods to detect, quantify, and separate enantiomers is essential across numerous fields, including biochemistry and pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, conventional methods often fall short when dealing with heterogeneous and spatially varying chiral samples.
This project focuses on developing innovative methods for studying chirality across various length scales and spectral ranges, aiming to extract critical structural information that transcends simple enantiomer discrimination. You will engage in creating nanophotonic systems that enhance light interactions with chiral matter, coupled with novel imaging systems that will collectively advance our understanding of chirality.
The ideal candidate is passionate about cutting-edge research and possesses motivation and creativity. You should be able to communicate effectively, enjoy collaborative teamwork, and have foundational experience in hands-on lab work and data analysis. While prior experience in optical imaging, nanofabrication, and data processing is highly valued, it is not a prerequisite.
Join an international and interdisciplinary research group at ETH Zurich, known for its pioneering contributions to nanophotonics and its application in detecting optical chirality. During your PhD, you will gain exposure to an array of technologies, including nanofabrication, optics, spectroscopy, data analysis, and numerical simulations.
In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity and value diversity, nurturing a supportive environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. For more information on how we foster a fair and open environment, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For more information about the Nanophotonic Systems Laboratory (NSL), please visit our website. If you have questions regarding the position, reach out to Prof. Romain Quidant (rquidant@ethz.ch) or Dr. Jaime Ortega Arroyo (jarroyo@ethz.ch).
ETH Zurich is a leading global university specializing in science and technology, known for excellent education and innovative research that translates directly into societal benefits. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and an inspiring environment for excellence. Centrally located in Europe, we collaborate worldwide to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland