Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress in Mechanotyping of Complex Cellular Systems

Postdoctoral Position: Mechanotyping of Complex Cellular Systems

100%, Basel, fixed-term

We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on the mechanotyping of complex cellular systems. This position combines cutting-edge nanotechnological tools, advanced cell biology, and systems-level quantitative biology. The project aims to uncover how mechanical properties, forces, and physical phenotypes integrate with molecular networks to regulate the function of complex cellular systems across multiple biological scales.

Project Background

Cells are mechanically heterogeneous systems composed of proteins, membranes, and compartments that exhibit distinct physical properties. They continuously sense and respond to a variety of mechanical cues from their environment, such as adhesion, stiffness, tension, shear, pressure, and confinement. These cues are integrated across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, from nanometers to tissues, to regulate collective cellular behavior. Mechanobiology seeks to understand how cells, tissues, and organoids perceive, process, and remodel mechanical signals and how these processes govern fundamental biological functions like homeostasis, growth, differentiation, migration, development, and apoptosis.

Despite significant advances, a multiscale understanding of how mechanical information is generated and integrated in complex multicellular systems remains limited. Progress in the field requires the development of engineered multicellular models as mechanical reference systems, new tools to quantitatively measure and manipulate 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.

Job Description

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:

• Quantitative mechanotyping of single cells, tissues, and multicellular systems (e.g., organoids, spheroids)
• Development and application of nanotechnological platforms for force sensing, manipulation, and mechanical phenotyping
• Advanced cell biological techniques, including live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, and genetically encoded reporters
• Systems biology approaches to integrate mechanical phenotypes with molecular, signaling, and transcriptional networks
• Quantitative modeling and data-driven analysis of multi-parameter cellular states
• High-throughput and multi-scale approaches to link mechanical properties to functional cellular outcomes

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.

Profile

• PhD degree or equivalent in the fields of cell biology, mechanobiology, bionanotechnology, systems biology, quantitative biology (phenotyping), computational biosystems analysis, or related disciplines
• Experience in human and animal cell biology, cellular systems, and organoids
• Expertise in micro-/nanofabrication, advanced optical microscopy and nanosopy, image analysis, and computational analysis
• Interest in molecular and cellular biophysics, bionanotechnology, cell and tissue biology, high-end optical microscopy, phenotyping, and multiplexing
• Desire for interdisciplinary research at ETH Zurich in Basel, spanning cell biology, organoid biology, nanotechnology, mechanobiology, computational biology, and biophysics
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent organizational skills and high reliability
• Proven track record in scientific work, communication, and publishing
• Outstanding capacity to operate independently within highly collaborative teams
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are essential

Workplace

The postdoctoral position is located at the ETH Zurich in Basel, renowned for its interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment, providing full access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and expertise.

We Offer

• Exciting, highly innovative, and collaborative research within the *Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering* at ETH Zurich
• A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
• Full access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and expertise at ETH Zurich
• Support benefits (networking, career development)
• Regular seminars and symposia within the ETH Zurich and Basel ecosystem
• Fully funded position for an initial 1-2 years, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and 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 in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to discover how we ensure a fair and open environment for everyone to grow and flourish. 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. Please ensure your submission includes:

• A letter of motivation
• CV including a list of publications
• Two letters of recommendation
• A brief statement of research interests (1500 characters)
• A copy of your original doctoral degree certificate

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026, and evaluation will occur on a rolling basis. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Daniel J. Müller via email at daniel.mueller@bsse.ethz.ch (please do not send applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and for translating new knowledge directly into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and creates an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.