Postdoctoral Researcher in Biological and Molecular Systems on CMOS Sensing/Actuating Platforms

Postdoctoral Position: Biological and Molecular Systems on CMOS Sensing/Actuating Platforms

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Integrated Devices, Electronics, And Systems (IDEAS) Group, led by Prof. Dr. Hua Wang at ETH Zurich, invites applications for a postdoctoral position focusing on biological and molecular assays and bio-experiments for bioelectronics and biosensors using CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) integrated circuit (IC) chips.

The scope of this position combines molecular and electrochemical assays with cell biology on micro-/nano-electronic devices. The aim is to develop molecular assays (genomics and proteomics) and cellular assays while supporting experimental work across various CMOS bioelectronics and biosensors projects. Please note that this position is NOT for electronic circuits research.

Project Background

Living cells, such as neurons, are biological systems with complex, dynamic, and multi-functional behaviors evolved over billions of years. Interfacing with these living cells using advanced micro-/nano-electronics opens new avenues for sensing and actuation, requiring robust biological protocols and stable bioelectronic interfaces.

Simultaneously, biomolecules and their complexes can be probed and controlled using CMOS micro-/nano-electronics, enabling applications such as molecular sensing (DNA/proteins), surface functionalization, electrochemical reactions, and molecular synthesis.

Our ETH IDEAS group has developed numerous generations of CMOS cellular/molecular platforms with dense arrays of electrodes and multi-modality active pixels for sensing and actuation. Some platforms focus on long-term culture and sensing of biological systems, including neurons, human stem-cell-derived cells, and animal-based cells. Others emphasize molecular or chemical functionalities, including electrochemical measurements and on-chip molecular processes.

A central requirement across these diverse projects is bio-experimental expertise in both cellular and molecular/electrochemical workflows. This postdoctoral position supports research across these applications and contributes to the development and operation of CMOS bioelectronics and biosensors within the ETH IDEAS group.

Job Description

You will work on molecular and cellular assays and systems for CMOS bioelectronics and biosensor platforms. This position is NOT for CMOS electronic circuit research.

Research Directions and Responsibilities Include:

• Long-term culture and maintenance of neurons and other cell-based assays on CMOS integrated circuit (IC) chips.
• Working with human stem-cell-derived cells, animal-based cells, and other cellular systems for extended-term cell culture and interfacing experiments on CMOS.
• Development and maintenance of stable and reproducible cell-microelectrode interfaces on CMOS.
• Designing and executing molecular and electrochemical experiments on CMOS micro-/nano-electrode arrays, including surface functionalization and electrodeposition.
• Implementing molecular and chemical workflows on CMOS IC chips, including electrochemical reactions and molecular synthesis.
• Biological and molecular characterization using microscopy, fluorescence-based assays, and electrochemical measurements.
• Collaborating closely with CMOS electronics researchers to support experimental design and platform operation.
• Contributing to teaching activities, including lectures, exercises, or laboratory components related to cellular/molecular biology.
• Presenting results at internal meetings and international conferences.
• Preparing peer-reviewed publications.
• The position offers scientific freedom to shape experimental workflows and contribute to multiple projects within a highly interdisciplinary research environment at ETH Zurich.

Profile

• PhD degree or equivalent in cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, chemistry, electrochemistry, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or closely related disciplines.
• Experience in long-term cell cultures, particularly neuronal cultures.
• Experience with cellular assays using human stem-cell-derived cells and/or animal-based cells.
• Strong experimental background in molecular chemistry, electrochemistry, or related chemical systems.
• Experience with bioelectronic platforms, microelectrode arrays, or Organ-on-Chip systems is advantageous.
• Genuine interest in interdisciplinary research involving biological and molecular systems on CMOS bioelectronics and biosensors.
• Desire to contribute to teaching and mentoring.
• Excellent work ethics, scientific rigor, and ability to foster collaborative team cultures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills and high reliability.
• Proven track record in scientific work, communication, and publications.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are essential.

Workplace

We offer a new research frontier with a highly interdisciplinary nature at the interface of biology, molecular systems, and CMOS bioelectronics/biosensors, within a collaborative research environment at ETH Zurich and partnerships with UZH, EPFL, EMPA, PSI, and industry in Switzerland. Enjoy access to state-of-the-art biological and chemical laboratories, equipment, and CMOS IC platforms.

Additional benefits include:

• Opportunities to gain teaching experience in interdisciplinary graduate-level courses.
• Support benefits including professional networking and career development opportunities.
• Regular seminars and symposia within the ETH Zurich research ecosystem.
• A fully funded position for an initial period of 1-2 years, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and available funding.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to discover how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us; we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below with the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining your motivation and experience.
• Concise CV.
• Diploma and certificates.
• Five of your best publications.

Further information about the IDEAS Group can be found on our website. Please direct any questions regarding the position to ideas-jobs@iis.ee.ethz.ch (no applications).

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich attracts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, fostering independent thinking and an inspiring environment for excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we connect globally to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.