PhD Researcher - Micro-Multiphysics / PhD Researcheress - Micro-Multiphysics

PhD Researcher - Micro-Multiphysics

100%, Singapore, Fixed-Term

The Singapore-ETH Centre, established in 2010 by ETH Zurich and Singapore's National Research Foundation (NRF), stands as ETH Zurich's only research centre outside Switzerland. It aims to enhance research capacity in developing sustainable solutions to global challenges across Switzerland, Singapore, and beyond.

Located in a rapidly urbanizing region of Asia, the Singapore-ETH Centre focuses on addressing critical issues in urban sustainability, resilience, and health through its Future Cities Lab Global (FCL Global) and Future Health Technologies (FHT) programmes.

The centre functions as an intellectual hub, uniting principal investigators and researchers from diverse disciplines. By promoting collaboration with universities, research institutes, industry, and government agencies, we strive to translate knowledge into practical solutions for real-world problems.

Project Background

Micro-Multiphysics Agent-Based Modelling for Simulation of Patient-Specific Bone Remodelling

Fragility fractures are a significant concern for older adults, often leading to reduced mobility and increased long-term disability. While existing care standards assess skeletal health and fracture risk, they frequently overlook how individual differences in bone remodelling, inflammation, mechanical loading, and biological tissue response affect fracture progression over time. Osteoporosis and related age-associated bone disorders exhibit high heterogeneity among patients, with variations in bone formation, osteoclast activity, and more.

This project aims to develop micro-multiphysics agent-based models (micro-MPA), utilizing the dynamic bone organoid culture platform from the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics at ETH Zurich. The objective is to link patient-derived organoid outputs with clinical and imaging data to create computational workflows for simulating bone remodelling processes and fracture risk trajectories.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will collaborate closely with engineers, clinicians, biologists, and computational researchers. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing micro-MPA modelling workflows for patient-specific bone remodelling and fracture risk prediction.
• Integrating biological readouts from patient-derived 3D bone organoids with clinical, imaging, and computational datasets.
• Simulating bone remodelling processes, mechanical-cytokine microenvironments, cellular dynamics, and fracture risk trajectories.
• Developing and validating predictive modelling frameworks to support precision fracture prevention and personalized musculoskeletal care.

Profile

Candidates should hold an MSc degree in biomedical engineering, computational biology, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, or a related field. A PhD degree will be conferred by ETH Zurich upon successful completion of studies.

Ideal candidates will possess experience in computational modelling and numerical simulation, with strong programming skills in Python or a related scientific programming language. Additional experience in agent-based modelling, multiphysics modelling, or mechanobiology would be advantageous.

Experience in medical imaging, computed tomography, image analysis, or morphometric analysis, along with familiarity with machine learning and statistical modelling, is preferred. Knowledge in bone biology, osteoporosis, skeletal mechanobiology, or organoid-derived datasets will be considered an asset. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills and the ability to work independently on complex research topics are essential. A motivation to explore the intersection of computational modelling and precision musculoskeletal medicine is desirable.

Workplace

The Singapore-ETH Centre offers:

• An environment accredited with 5 Tripartite Standards by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) in Singapore.
• A diverse workplace with 32 nationalities, providing opportunities for mutual learning.
• A positive and inclusive working atmosphere.
• 25 days of annual leave for fixed-term contracts and one day of Birthday Leave.
• Annual dental benefits and comprehensive healthcare insurance coverage.
• A flexible hybrid work arrangement of up to 2 days per week from home.
• Plenty of networking opportunities across various disciplines.
• Accredited with NS mark certification.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that fosters equality of opportunity and respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. We are committed to sustainability, continually working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application, which should include:

• A cover letter detailing your motivation for the project.
• Your CV, including the names and contact information of two academic references.
• Copies of your university transcripts in PDF format.

For more information about the Singapore-ETH Centre, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Ralph Müller (ETH Zurich) at ram@ethz.ch.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.