PhD Position in Biofluid Sampling Technologies for Localized Physiological Measurements (SDC19)

PhD Position in Biofluid Sampling Technologies for Localized Physiological Measurements (SDC19)

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 merge clinical endocrinology, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, ethics, and law into an integrated field of digital endocrinology. Are you interested in joining our team?

ETH Zürich is one of Europe’s foremost technical universities, located in the heart of Switzerland. The PhD candidate will be positioned at 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 embedded in Work Package 2 of the ENDOTRAIN network, which focuses on innovating, developing, and testing novel data acquisition and aggregation technologies for physiological measurements. This PhD project will concentrate on the development of micromachined platforms for minimally invasive and localized access to biofluids (e.g., interstitial fluid (ISF) or muscle tissue), enabling the direct and continuous sampling and analysis of metabolites, hormones, and other markers. This research has the potential to transform diagnostic and monitoring strategies in sports science, rehabilitation, and muscle-related diseases. 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 should work full-time on the project and must not have resided or carried out their main activities (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to their recruitment date. The student will be enrolled in the structured PhD program of 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, which includes workshops, retreats, transferable skills courses, and cohort-wide meetings across Europe.

Specific tasks may include:

• Design and fabricate advanced microfabricated systems (e.g., microneedles, implantables, microfluidic devices) capable of precise spatial sampling of biofluids or insertion into tissue.
• Investigate concepts for minimal tissue disruption and high analyte recovery efficiency.
• Quantify analyte concentration dynamically during different physiological states in mouse models and human subjects.
• Develop models for local production, metabolism, and diffusion of analytes between blood, ISF, and tissue.

Secondments

• University of Bergen (NO): Validation of sampling strategy
• University Hospital Zurich (CH): Testing of sampler on human subjects

Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master's degree (MSc or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, Mechanical 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, knowledge in microfabrication in cleanrooms, biocompatible materials, and/or implantable devices.

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, 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 in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – 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 detailing 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, thesis, if possible).

Apply online using the form below. Please ensure that your application includes all the required documents. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Informal inquiries may be directed to Prof. Andreas Güntner (andregue@ethz.ch). More information on the involved research groups can be found at the following websites: Human-centered Sensing Laboratory | ETH Zurich and 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, groundbreaking fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.