PhD in device engineering for efficient microhistology in Zürich

The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland, engineers and applies advanced polymeric materials for a range of biomedical and industrial uses. The recent focus of the group () includes the development of biomedical materials and bioengineered devices for a range of applications. The lab is composed of a highly interdisciplinary and international team of motivated researchers. We are currently seeking a doctoral candidate for prototyping a design for the manipulation of microtissues, including acoustic manipulation. The position will be a part of a BRIDGE Discovery grant (in collaboration with CSEM and ZHAW).

Microtissues, including organoids and spheroids, are transforming biological research, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. Histological analysis of microtissues currently allows us to decipher disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic molecules for cancer patients. However, the histology of these models remains highly inefficient, wasteful, time intensive, and costly as it is difficult to position heterogeneous and complex microtissues for efficient processing. This project aims to address this limitation by the use of acoustofluidics for positioning microtissues within a gel embedding medium. We will develop a device to carry out the positioning of the microtissues as well as an associated labware needed to streamline the process and integrate it within existing histology workflows.

Microtissue processing is highly relevant in basic and applied research and patient care, especially considering the need for personalized therapies in disease treatment. Improving histological analyses will have a positive impact on novel discoveries of disease mechanisms and effective drug molecules.

Your main tasks will center around device development and engineering, prototype testing, characterization, and alignment of microtissues. A collaborative personality and spirit are required in this project that involves internal co-workers as well as co-workers from other disciplines across Switzerland.

You should have an engineering background, with an MSc degree, in mechanical, electrical, biomedical engineering, physics, or a related field. Experience in product development and working knowledge of acoustofluidics is preferred but not required.

• Interdisciplinary research environment
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Flexibility in terms of experimental planning and working times
• A motivating and engaged research lab
• Freedom and support to explore independent ideas

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