PhD position in Development microfluidic platform diagnosis of sepsis

Organisation/Company ETH Zürich Research Field Biological sciences » Other Engineering » Biomedical engineering Engineering » Other Technology » Biotechnology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Switzerland Final date to receive applications 8 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

PhD position in Development of a microfluidic platform for diagnosis of sepsis

We are developing so-called lab-on-chip technology (or microfluidic technology) for applications across the life sciences and biomedicine. Our interdisciplinary approach includes the design and manufacturing of miniaturized platforms and their optimization for biochemical assays and analytical procedures.

For a third-party funded project, running for four years, we are offering a PhD position and a postdoctoral position.

Project background

The project Radiant Dx is a multidisciplinary, collaborative project that addresses the diagnosis of sepsis. Sepsis is a severe health condition, where patients typically suffer from unspecific symptoms like high fever. To support doctors in the decision how to treat the patient,we will develop a miniaturized system for rapid diagnosis of sepsis, which prevents unnecessary administration of antibiotic compounds and leads to improved survival and recovery of the patients.

Together with researchers from the Institute of Medical Microbiology at the University of Zurich, the Department of Informatics at ETHZ and several further partners, we address the challenge by the combining microfluidic technology, sequencing and fast data analysis.

In the Bioanalytics Group, a PhD student and a postdoctoral fellow will work together on different aspects of the microfluidic platform and sample preparation.

The PhD student and postodoctoral fellow will work together on the following tasks:

• Design and manufacture a microfluidic platform
• Develop, optimize and test biological assays
• Perform imaging, data analysis and interpretation
• Prepare platform for use in clinical setting
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Participate actively in meetings of the group and the research consortium
• Interact and collaborate with other members of the group and consortium

Profile

• Master`s degree in microsystems engineering, biomedical engineering or interdisciplinary study programmes.
• Candidates with background in biology, bioengineering, biotechnology or microbiology, with a strong interest in technology development, are welcome to apply as well.
• The combination of biological and technological aspects is central in our group and in this project. A possible candidate should have strong disposition to learn and improve novel methods, should be very open to different research disciplines and should be able to communicate across disciplines.
• Good communication (in English) and teamwork skills

We offer

We offer to the successful candidate:

• An intellectually challenging position in the inspiring atmosphere of an interdisciplinary team, and the prospect to obtain a PhD degree from ETH Zurich
• Multifaceted, applied work in a larger team with computer scientists and clinicians/microbiologists
• From bench to bedside: develop technology and methods close to the need of patients
• Advanced training options in various related fields
• Development of personal skills
• Participation at international conferences is highly encouraged

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We look forward to receiving…