NRP79 PhD Position in Microengineered Human Organoid-on-Chip Models to Study the Molecular Pathology of Rare Bone Disease in Zürich

The Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich is looking for a PhD student with expertise in single-cell biology who is motivated to work at the interface between microengineered human organoids and disease modeling.

The Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics () within the Institute for Biomechanics (IfB) at ETH Zurich, includes 25 scientific staff organized within  with cross-disciplinary expertise in micro-tissue engineering, biomaterials, musculoskeletal biomechanics, bioimaging, mechanobiology, and animal models. One main research area of the laboratory is currently developing microengineered bone organoid models as novel research tools for disease modeling applications. 

The aim of this National Research Program (NRP) 79 () research is to develop a novel human organoid-on-chip tool to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of rare bone disease in the laboratory, with the goal of replacing a high number of animal experiments to advance 3R strategies (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement). In collaboration with our clinical partners at the Children’s Hospital Zurich (KISPI) and microfluidic specialists at ETH Zurich and industry, we employ patient-derived cells to grow a bone organoid on chip to investigate the properties of the extracellular matrix deposited during the process of bone formation using state-of-the-art organs-on-chip, molecular bioimaging and single-cell analysis techniques (e.g., collagen and live-cell imaging, scRNA-seq, flow cytometry, proteomics). Recently, several epithelial organoid systems resembling human tissues (e.g., intestine, optical cup, kidney) have been established. Yet, there is still very limited progress in developing organoid models for human musculoskeletal tissues such as bone. A major challenge is reconstructing the native bone microenvironment which is structurally and functionally complex. Currently, our laboratory leverages interdisciplinary advances in tissue engineering and microtechnologies to generate microengineered bone organoid models for both fundamental and translational research in medicine.

The successful candidate holds or will soon receive a Master’s degree in one of these fields: cell biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering or tissue engineering; and has experiences covering one of these areas: primary cell characterisation, 3D organotypic culture and functional imaging (e.g., immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization), molecular biology assays (e.g., gene and protein expression) and single cell analysis (e.g., flow cytometry, scRNA-seq). Ideally, the candidate is familiar with microfluidic/organ-on-chip technology. It is essential that the candidate is willing and motivated to work at the interface between fundamental biology and tissue engineering. Additionally, excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) are required. Knowledge of German is advantageous but not absolutely required. The selected candidate is expected to start as early as possible.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

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 to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.