Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress and PhD Researcher / PhD Researcheress in Neurotechnology: Drug/Biologics Carrier Formulation & Chemical Engineering for Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Brain Drug Delivery

Postdoctoral and PhD Positions in Neurotechnology: Drug/Biologics Carrier Formulation & Chemical Engineering for Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Brain Drug Delivery

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Neurotechnology Group of Prof. Mehmet Fatih Yanik at ETH Zurich is seeking exceptional postdoctoral researchers and PhD students to join a newly funded LOOP Zurich Flagship Project focused on advancing a groundbreaking technology for non-invasive targeted drug delivery to the brain.

Our laboratory has recently developed a novel focused ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery platform, as published in Nature Communications (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-18059-7), which enables localized, hyper-efficient delivery of therapeutic compounds to specific brain regions, all without the need for invasive surgery.

Project Background

We are advancing focused ultrasound technologies, ultrasound-responsive drug carrier formulations, and adaptive closed-loop control algorithms as an integrated precision drug delivery platform for the brain. Our innovative two-component ultrasound strategy first concentrates drug carriers within the target region, then triggers localized drug release, achieving high therapeutic concentrations exclusively at the desired site while minimizing systemic exposure. The chemical formulation and engineering of these carriers—encompassing drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics—are central to the platform's performance.

By blending carrier formulation chemistry, chemical engineering, medical imaging, real-time sensing, and intelligent control into a unified system, this technology sets a new standard for precision neurotherapeutics and opens avenues for treating epilepsy, brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and other neurological conditions.

The project's long-term goal is to establish this technology as a clinically applicable therapeutic platform by enhancing the chemical engineering of drug carrier formulations and integrating them with targeted ultrasound delivery, advanced neuroimaging, and closed-loop control.

The primary objective of this postdoctoral/PhD project is to advance the chemical formulation and engineering of ultrasound-responsive drug carriers from proof-of-concept toward clinical translation. Successful candidates will develop and optimize carrier formulations, assess drug loading and release performance, characterize carrier stability and biocompatibility, and contribute to the preparation of first-in-human clinical studies.

This project will be conducted in close collaboration with the Swiss Epilepsy Clinic Lengg, the Department of Neurosurgery of the University Hospital Zurich, and the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zurich.

Job Description

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the chemical formulation, engineering, and characterization of drug carriers for our focused ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery platform.

Depending on experience and interests, the project may encompass the following:

• Design and synthesis of ultrasound-responsive drug carrier formulations (e.g., microbubbles, nanodroplets, liposomes, or polymeric/lipid nanoparticles)
• Optimization of drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics
• Physicochemical characterization of carriers (size, zeta potential, stability, morphology)
• Chemical engineering of carrier production processes (e.g., microfluidics, emulsification, sonication)
• Assessment of carrier stability under ultrasound exposure and physiological conditions
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of drug loading, release, and therapeutic efficacy
• Development of analytical methods for carrier and drug quantification (e.g., HPLC, DLS)
• Integration of carrier formulations with focused ultrasound delivery systems
• Collaboration with engineers and clinicians to prepare first-in-human clinical studies
• Contribution to regulatory-compliant formulation development and quality control

This is a highly interdisciplinary project at the intersection of chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and translational medicine.

Profile

We are seeking highly motivated and innovative researchers who thrive on solving challenging interdisciplinary problems.

Applicants for the PhD position should have a Bachelor's degree and preferably a Master's degree; applicants for the postdoctoral position should hold a PhD in one of the following disciplines:

• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Sciences / Pharmaceutics
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Or a closely related field

Ideal candidates should possess several of the following qualifications:

• Excellent academic records from reputable institutions
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including programming (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• Experimental laboratory experience in drug formulation, nanoparticle/microbubble synthesis, colloid chemistry, or related fields
• Hands-on experience with carrier characterization techniques (e.g., dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, HPLC, electron microscopy)
• Expertise in microfluidic synthesis/purification
• Knowledge of drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics assessment
• Strong motivation for translational drug delivery research and medical innovation
• For postdoctoral applicants, a record of peer-reviewed publications in drug delivery, nanomedicine, or pharmaceutical sciences

Good communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team are essential requirements.

The following qualifications will be looked upon favorably:

• Experience with animal experiments (e.g., in vivo drug delivery studies, small animal handling, surgical procedures, imaging, or pharmacokinetic/biodistribution assessment)
• Previous experience with focused ultrasound, drug delivery, or biomedical instrumentation

Candidates should be willing to participate in animal experiments due to the translational preclinical nature of the project.

Workplace

The Neurotechnology Group at ETH Zurich offers one of Europe's premier research environments for neurotechnology and drug delivery, integrating:

• Chemical synthesis and drug formulation laboratories
• High-field 7 Tesla MRI
• Two-photon and confocal microscopy
• State-of-the-art electrophysiology
• Brain-machine interfaces
• Mechanical and electronic prototyping workshops
• Access to advanced microfabrication facilities
• Cell culture facilities
• Behavioral neuroscience laboratories
• Small- and large-animal research facilities

PhD candidates will be enrolled in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (D-ITET) at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroinformatics and the Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ) PhD Program. Postdoctoral researchers will be affiliated with the Institute of Neuroinformatics.

We Offer

ETH Zurich values diversity and sustainability. We promote an inclusive culture, ensuring equality of opportunity while nurturing an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Please specify whether you are applying for the PhD or postdoctoral position, and submit a single PDF containing:

• Cover letter (1 page) describing your motivation and research interests
• Curriculum Vitae
• Bachelor's and Master's transcripts showing grades (PhD applicants) or PhD certificate and transcripts (postdoctoral applicants)
• Degree certificates
• Publications (if applicable)
• Contact details of at least two academic referees

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For any inquiries regarding the position, please reach out via email.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a globally renowned university specializing in science and technology, recognized for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 students from over 120 countries, ETH Zurich fosters an environment that inspires independent thinking and excellence.