Job opportunity
Location: 100%, Basel, fixed-term
We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on the mechanotyping of complex cellular systems. This role combines cutting-edge nanotechnological tools with advanced cell biology and systems-level quantitative biology. The project aims to unravel how mechanical properties, forces, and physical phenotypes interact with molecular networks to regulate the functions of complex cellular systems across various biological scales.
Cells are mechanically heterogeneous systems composed of proteins, membranes, and compartments, each exhibiting distinct physical properties. They continuously sense and respond to a variety of mechanical cues from their environment, including adhesion, stiffness, tension, shear, pressure, and confinement. These cues are integrated across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales—ranging from nanometers to entire tissues—to regulate collective cellular behaviors. Mechanobiology seeks to understand how cells, tissues, and organoids perceive, process, and remodel mechanical signals, and how these processes govern fundamental biological functions such as homeostasis, growth, differentiation, migration, development, and apoptosis.
Despite major advances, a comprehensive understanding of how mechanical information is generated and integrated within complex multicellular systems is still limited. Progress in the field requires the development of engineered multicellular models as mechanical reference systems, new tools for quantitatively measuring and manipulating mechanics across scales, and theoretical frameworks to interpret mechanobiological complexity. This postdoctoral project addresses these challenges by combining model systems, advanced mechanical probing, and integrative analysis to elucidate how mechanical properties regulate biological function across molecular, cellular, and multicellular levels, ultimately supporting advances in mechanodiagnostics and mechanomedicine.
In this position, you will work at the interface of mechanobiology, nanotechnology, systems biology, and quantitative biology, developing and applying innovative experimental and analytical approaches to characterize cellular mechanical states and their regulatory roles. Research directions include:
The position offers substantial freedom to shape novel experimental pipelines that bridge physical measurements with systems-level biological insight. You will work independently on an interdisciplinary project at the highest scientific levels at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich in Basel, in collaboration with internationally leading groups in cell, organoid, and computational biology.
The position is located within the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich in Basel, which provides a highly innovative and collaborative research environment. You will enjoy full access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and expertise across ETH Zurich campuses, along with support benefits including networking opportunities and career development.
In alignment with our core values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We strive for equality of opportunity, celebrate diversity, and foster a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we create a fair and open atmosphere that enables everyone to grow and thrive. Sustainability is also a fundamental value for us, and we are actively working toward a climate-neutral future.
To apply, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.