We are in search of a curious and motivated PhD student to join our bionanophotonics team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of nanophotonics and digital holography, contributing to the advancement of chiral system interrogation on a nanoscale.
Chirality refers to the property of an object that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image. Although it is a geometric characteristic, chirality is fundamental in biological systems, as most biomolecules are chiral. Their interactions with other chiral entities are essential to numerous biological processes. Chiral molecules exist as two distinct enantiomers—left-handed and right-handed—and their handedness significantly affects molecular interactions, sometimes determining the difference between an effective medical drug and a harmful toxin. Consequently, techniques for detecting, quantifying, and separating enantiomers are vital across multiple fields, including biochemistry and pharmaceutics. However, standard methodologies often struggle with heterogeneous and spatially varying chiral samples.
This project aims to develop innovative methods for studying chirality across various length scales and spectral ranges, extracting critical structural information that extends beyond basic enantiomer discrimination. You will engage in the development of nanophotonic systems that enhance interactions between light and chiral materials, as well as novel imaging systems that, when integrated, can yield groundbreaking insights into chirality.
The ideal candidate will share our enthusiasm for pioneering research, exhibit intrinsic motivation and creativity, communicate effectively, and collaborate respectfully within a team. Basic experience in hands-on lab work and data analysis is required, while prior exposure to optical imaging, nanofabrication, and data processing is highly valued though not mandatory.
You will be part of an international and interdisciplinary research group at ETH Zurich, renowned for its pioneering contributions to nanophotonics and the detection of optical chirality. Throughout your PhD, you will gain exposure to a wide range of technologies, including nanofabrication, optics, spectroscopy, data analysis, and numerical simulations.
ETH Zurich is committed to fostering 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. For more information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we cultivate a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive.
If you are interested in this opportunity, apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our commitment to quality education, groundbreaking research, and the effective transfer of new knowledge to society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university fosters an environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while forging connections worldwide, we collaborate to address the pressing global challenges of today and tomorrow.
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland