PhD Student in In Vitro Diagnostics, CRISPR-Cas / Electrochemistry

PhD Student in In Vitro Diagnostics, CRISPR-Cas / Electrochemistry

100%, Zurich, Fixed-term

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 looking for a PhD student to advance the development of CRISPR-Cas-based electrochemical biosensors targeting multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-MTB). This position is part of a SNSF BRIDGE Discovery grant, embedded 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. We are seeking candidates with expertise in CRISPR-Cas and/or electrochemical biosensing, although applicants with backgrounds in biosensing or analytical chemistry are also encouraged to apply. This is a four-year position that will involve time spent at both ETHZ and CSEM.

Project Background

Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant health challenge, claiming approximately 1.25 million lives each year, making it the deadliest infectious disease globally. The disease disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 98% of TB cases are reported, leading to catastrophic impacts. The continued spread of TB has led to widespread misuse of antibiotics, fostering significant drug resistance. In heavily affected areas, drug resistance rates among recurrent TB infections have surged beyond 50%.

Most TB-related deaths can be prevented through early diagnosis, yet nearly a quarter of TB cases remain undiagnosed. The rise of drug resistance is exacerbated by a lack of effective methods for identifying resistance markers, resulting in poor antibiotic management. Furthermore, current diagnostic technologies fall short of ensuring timely TB diagnosis and reliable identification of drug resistances, especially at the point-of-care (PoC). Existing technologies that can swiftly and accurately diagnose TB and assess resistance are often large and prohibitively expensive for use in LMICs and typically rely on difficult-to-obtain sputum samples, complicating their adoption in low-resource settings.

This PhD project seeks to develop RPA-CRISPR-Cas assays capable of multiplexing 14 targets relating to TB and associated drug resistance markers from a single sample. These assays will incorporate innovative electrochemical reporters to enable miniaturization and provide quantitative results of the disease. By leveraging CSEM’s facilities and expertise, we aim to integrate these technologies into a highly affordable cartridge and reader system for PoC deployment. The project will also involve collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and the National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Disease in Georgia to validate the technology with patient samples and conduct a small pilot study, offering the selected student opportunities for fieldwork.

These assays aim to address a critical gap in the TB treatment pathway, facilitating improved care for millions of underserved patients, particularly in LMICs. By enabling quick diagnosis of TB, this technology will foster timely medical interventions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating pressures on healthcare systems. Additionally, focusing on prevalent drug resistance markers will bolster antimicrobial stewardship and serve as a valuable tool in battling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Job Description

• Develop nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and CRISPR-Cas assays specific for MTB and MDR-MTB.
• Design solid-phase electrochemical reporters for CRISPR-Cas assays.
• Evaluate developed assays using patient-derived samples.
• Engage in protein expression.
• Collaborate closely with academic and industrial project partners to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Contribute to project management, including financial and time management.
• Present findings at internal meetings and international conferences.
• Write articles for peer-reviewed publications.

Profile

We welcome applications from scientists eager to deepen their knowledge in bioengineering, in vitro diagnostics, and global health. Ideal candidates will possess a Master's degree in a relevant science or engineering field, though evaluation will be based on an applicant’s overall experience, expertise, and ambitions rather than a specific research discipline. Successful candidates will become part of an international research team and should be highly motivated and passionate about science, engineering, and global health.

You Bring to the Role

• Ability to thrive in a highly international, collaborative environment.
• Focus on project objectives and deliverables.
• Drive to advance research towards an advanced technology readiness level.
• A collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively with diverse partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Workplace

Be part of a vibrant multicultural and multidisciplinary research environment at ETH Zurich.

We Offer

• A diverse, thriving research community.
• Attractive employment conditions.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources.
• Strong support for career advancement.

Curious? So Are We.

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

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich stands among the world's leading universities in science and technology, celebrated for exceptional education, pioneering research, and the direct transfer of knowledge into society. With over 30,000 students from more than 120 countries, ETH Zurich fosters an environment that encourages independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge collaborations worldwide to tackle the global challenges of today and tomorrow.