PhD in Engineering/Microsystems Engineering: Droplet Microfluidics for Reactions and Drug Screening in Zürich

The Bioanalytics Group at the Department Biosystems Science and Engineering/ ETH Zurich in Basel develops a new generation of analytical instruments and methods for applications across the life sciences using microsystems technology.

Fast, efficient and sensitive: . We offer a PhD position for an engineer to contribute to our team efforts in realization of so-called microdroplet arrays, which are used for high throughput biotechnology, biochemical reactions and drug screening.The Phd thesis has an emphasis in the improvement of design, fabrication and surface modifications of microdroplet arrays.

High-throughput screening methods are required to produce, find, test and analyze new compounds and effective drugs. To address this challenge, we employ droplet microfluidics, which allows for creation of thousands of tiny reaction vessels at high frequency of up to several kHz. The resulting emulsion has an excellent monodispersity, with droplet volumes in the range of pico- to nanoliters. The technique is used in combination with optical methods such as fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, we use mass spectrometry for more detailed analysis of the enclosed compounds or reaction products.

The combination of biological and technological aspects is central in our group. The realization of cutting-edge methods requires team work of researchers with different background. We are looking for a PhD candidate, who has strong disposition to address technological challenges, learn and improve methods and is very open to different research disciplines. Ideally, the start is in late spring (April 2024).

The PhD candidate will work closely together with other team members on a highly interdisciplinary topic. Central in the work is the fabrication of microstructured targets, which will be done in the Department`s clean room.

Other tasks:

• surface modification, characterization of surfaces and development of bioassays on surfaces
• establish workflows for data acquisition and analysis
• writing scientific publications
• involvement in teaching: supervision of students`projects and lab course

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with:

• a strong interest to work at the interface of applied topics in the natural sciences/life sciences, and technology development
• a Master`s Degree in Engineering/Microsystems Engineering or related fields
• practical experiences in microfabrication and work in a clean room

Previous experiences in the field of microfluidics/lab-on-chip technology are helpful.

We offer you an intellectually challenging position in the inspiring atmosphere of an interdisciplinary team. The PhD candidates will start in our brand-new building in the centre of Basel, offering excellent infrastructure and working conditions. Further information about our group and the Department can be found on the websites and .