PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications (SDC18)

PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications (SDC18)

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ENDOTRAIN is a Horizon Europe Doctoral Training Network dedicated to transforming the diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders through innovative digital tools. ENDOTRAIN will cultivate a new generation of interdisciplinary experts who integrate clinical endocrinology, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, ethics, and law into a cohesive field of digital endocrinology. Are you interested in joining our team?

ETH Zürich, one of Europe’s foremost technical universities, is located in the heart of Switzerland. The PhD candidate will be based in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and the Department of Health Sciences and Technology, showcasing a unique interdisciplinary focus on cutting-edge research in engineering, health, and technology.

Project Background

This project is part of Work Package 2 of the ENDOTRAIN network and aims to explore the use of nanotechnology-enhanced electrochemical sensors for highly sensitive, selective, and reversible biomarker sensing. The work will focus specifically on the design and fabrication of functional electrode coating materials (nano-enzymes) and surface architectures that facilitate reversible analyte binding, ensure high signal stability, and resist biofouling during long-term operation. The PhD candidate will collaborate with the Human-centered Sensing Laboratory (Prof. Andreas Güntner) and the Laboratory of Exercise and Health (Prof. Katrien de Bock).

Job Description

The candidate is expected to work full-time on the project and must not have resided or engaged in major activities (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to their recruitment date. The selected candidate will be enrolled in the structured PhD programme of either the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering or the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Furthermore, participation in interdisciplinary training within the ENDOTRAIN network will be mandatory, involving workshops, retreats, transferable skills courses, and cohort-wide meetings across Europe.

Specific Tasks May Include:

• Engineering redox-active or affinity-based interfaces (nanoparticles, single-atom isolates, artificial enzymes) with tunable binding kinetics.
• Integrating these interfaces with transduction schemes to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity in complex media.
• Conducting validations in controlled in vitro and ex vivo systems to enable quantitative correlations between electrochemical signals and dynamic biochemical processes.
• Supporting in vivo tests in mouse models and clinical trials.

Secondments:

• Imperial College London (UK): Electrochemical sensing strategies.
• University Hospital Zurich (CH): Testing of sampler on humans.

Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• A strong interest in translational health technologies.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate interdisciplinary.
• Ideally, experience in sensor design, nanoparticle fabrication, or single-atom catalysts.

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 offers exceptional working conditions, cultural diversity, and attractive benefits. As a family-friendly employer, we ensure an exciting working environment.

We Offer

As part of your employment, you will enjoy:

• A competitive salary in accordance with Swiss National Science Foundation regulations.
• Full social security coverage in Switzerland.
• A budget for travel and secondments.
• Opportunities for international networking, industry exposure, and career development.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that values diversity and equality of opportunity. We ensure a fair environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish while 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 available).

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Informal inquiries may be directed to Prof. Andreas Güntner at andregue@ethz.ch. For more information on the involved research groups, please visit the Human-centered Sensing Laboratory and Laboratory of Exercise and Health at ETH Zurich.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is a leading global university specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, we host over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, fostering independent thought and inspiring excellence. We work collaboratively to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.