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

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

Position Details

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Dr. Daniel A. Richards and Professor Andrew J. deMello at the Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering at ETH Zürich (ETHZ), along with Dr. Loïc Burr from 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 position is funded through a SNSF BRIDGE Discovery grant and involves collaboration within a multi-institutional consortium comprising ETHZ, CSEM, the Swiss Tropical Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), and the National Centre for Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NCTLD) in Tbilisi, Georgia. While a background in CRISPR-Cas and/or electrochemical biosensing is preferred, candidates with experience in biosensing or analytical chemistry will also be considered. This is a four-year position, which will include time at both ETHZ and CSEM.

Project Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is the deadliest infectious disease, claiming approximately 1.25 million lives each year. Alarmingly, 98% of global TB cases occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to devastating consequences. The misuse of antibiotics has exacerbated the problem, resulting in substantial drug resistance, with rates rising above 50% in the most affected regions.

Most TB-related deaths are preventable with early diagnosis, yet nearly a quarter of all TB cases remain undiagnosed. The increased prevalence of drug resistance can be attributed partly to the lack of effective methods for identifying resistance markers, leading to poor antibiotic stewardship. Unfortunately, current diagnostic technologies fall short of effectively detecting TB and its drug resistances, particularly at the point-of-care (PoC). Few systems exist that can rapidly and accurately diagnose TB while also identifying drug resistance markers, and those that do tend to be large and costly, limiting their use in LMICs. Furthermore, the reliance on sputum samples poses additional challenges, particularly in resource-limited 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. The assays will incorporate novel electrochemical reporters to facilitate miniaturization and provide quantitative disease readouts. We will collaborate with CSEM to integrate these technologies into a highly affordable cartridge and reader system for PoC deployment. The research will be validated using patient samples in collaboration with Swiss TPH and NCTLD, offering opportunities for fieldwork and travel.

These assays will address a critical gap in current TB treatment pathways, enhancing care for millions of underserved patients, especially in LMICs. By enabling rapid TB diagnosis, this technology will foster more accurate medical interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Additionally, this focus on common drug resistance markers will promote better antimicrobial stewardship, serving as a valuable asset in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Job Description

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

Profile

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, though we will evaluate all candidates based on their overall experience, expertise, and aspirations. Successful candidates will join an international research team and are expected to be highly motivated with a passion for science, engineering, and global health.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• An ability to thrive in a highly international, collaborative environment.
• A focus on project objectives and deliverables.
• A drive to advance research to a higher technology readiness level.
• Effective collaboration with a variety of collaborators.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills at a high level.

Workplace

ETH Zürich offers a multicultural and multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources, in addition to strong support for career progression.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that encourages equality, values diversity, and cultivates a working and learning environment respectful of the rights and dignity of all. We are committed to sustainability and work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing your motivation for applying and how you meet the position requirements.
• A detailed CV and the contact information for at least two references.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is a world-leading university specializing in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, groundbreaking research, and the effective transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we foster an environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we are committed to developing solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.