PhD position in Experimental Physics related to the design and the development of Magnetic Thin Film Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications in Dübendorf

Magnetic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention in the biomedical field. The main applications include magnetic resonance contrast agents, magnetic separation and targeted drug delivery. While magnetic nanoparticle based contrast agents had already entered clinics, these products have lost their market approval and are no longer available due to economic and risk/benefit issues.

Here we plan to fabricate magnetic nanoparticles from magnetic thin film multilayer system that permit obtaining nanoparticles with magnetic properties superior to existing biomedically used nanoparticles. We will then investigate the prospective biomedical applications of these magnetic thin film nanoparticles in highly interdisciplinary collaborations with biologists and clinical partners.

A candidate with a master degree in experimental physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering or related fields with a high motivation to work in an interdisciplinary project and willingness to gain a sufficiently deep understanding in thin film magnetism, microfabrication, particle functionalization and particle-bio-system interaction is desired for this position. Excellent communication skills and good verbal and written knowledge in English are also expected.

We offer a highly stimulating research environment in the Empa laboratories in Dübendorf and in St. Gallen with excellent infrastructure to fabricate and characterize properties of magnetic thin films systems and particle-bio-systems interaction, respectively.