Dr. Daniel A. Richards and Professor Andrew J. deMello from the Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering at ETH Zürich (ETHZ), along with Dr. Loïc Burr of the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), are seeking a PhD student to develop CRISPR-Cas-based electrochemical biosensors for multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-MTB). This research is supported by a SNSF BRIDGE Discovery grant and involves collaboration within a multi-institutional consortium that includes ETHZ, CSEM, the Swiss Tropical Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), and the National Centre for Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NCTLD) in Tbilisi, Georgia. The position will ideally suit candidates with a background in CRISPR-Cas and/or electrochemical biosensing, although individuals with experience in biosensing or analytical chemistry will also be considered. This is a four-year position, requiring time spent at both ETHZ and CSEM.
Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for approximately 1.25 million deaths annually, rendering it the deadliest infectious disease worldwide. Alarmingly, TB predominantly affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 98% of global TB cases occur, resulting in catastrophic consequences. The rise of drug resistance, fueled by the overuse of antibiotics, has compounded the TB crisis, with drug-resistant cases now exceeding 50% in the hardest-hit regions.
Most TB-related deaths are preventable with early diagnosis; however, nearly a quarter of all cases remain undiagnosed. The alarming growth of drug resistance can be partly attributed to inadequate methods for identifying resistance markers, leading to ineffective antibiotic practices. Unfortunately, existing diagnostic technologies fall short in effectively diagnosing TB and its associated drug resistances—particularly at the point-of-care (PoC). Few technologies are available that can rapidly and accurately diagnose TB while simultaneously assessing drug resistance, and those that do are often prohibitively large and expensive for use in LMICs. Additionally, they typically rely extensively on sputum samples, which can pose challenges in low-resource settings.
This PhD project aims to develop RPA-CRISPR-Cas assays capable of multiplexing 14 targets related to TB and its drug resistance markers from a single sample. These assays will utilize innovative electrochemical reporters to facilitate miniaturization and deliver quantitative disease readouts. To support PoC deployment, we will harness the expertise and facilities at CSEM to integrate these technologies into a cost-effective cartridge and reader system. The research team will liaise with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and the National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Disease in Georgia, who will help validate the technology using patient samples and lead a small pilot study. This collaboration offers the selected student the opportunity to travel and engage in fieldwork.
These assays will address a critical gap in the current TB treatment pathway, extending care to millions of underserved patients, particularly in LMICs. By enabling prompt TB diagnoses, this technology will support more accurate and timely medical interventions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating the strain on healthcare systems. Furthermore, by concentrating on common drug resistance markers, this technology will improve antimicrobial stewardship and serve as a vital tool in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
We welcome applications from scientists eager to gain expertise in bioengineering, in vitro diagnostics, and global health. Candidates should possess a Master’s degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline. However, applicants will be evaluated based on overall experience, expertise, and ambitions rather than solely on their specific research disciplines. Successful candidates will join an international research team and are expected to be highly motivated and passionate about science, engineering, and global health.
This position will be located in the vibrant research environment of ETH Zürich, known for its commitment to excellence in science and technology. We value diversity and sustainability, promoting an inclusive culture that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. For more information about our commitment to equal opportunities and diversity, please visit our website.
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below:
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For more information about the deMello group, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position are welcome and should be directed to Dr. Daniel Richards (daniel.richards@chem.ethz.ch) and Dr. Loïc Burr (loic.burr@csem.ch).
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We provide an environment that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence, with over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland