PhD Position in Nanomedicine: Quantitative Design of Multi-Cargo Nanoparticles for Cancer Gene

PhD Position in Nanomedicine:
Quantitative Design of Multi-Cargo Nanoparticles for Cancer Gene Delivery

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

At Empa's Laboratory for Biointerfaces and Center for X-ray Analytics , we develop and characterize advanced nanosystems for biomedical applications. Combining expertise in nanomaterials, colloid and analytical science, cellular biology and bioengineering, we investigate how nanoparticle structure and composition influence biological function. A particular focus lies on nucleic-acid delivery for next-generation therapeutics.

This PhD project aims to develop lipid-based nanoparticles for the controlled co-delivery of multiple genetic cargos to cancer cells, enabling new approaches for cancer treatment. A central challenge is to understand and control how different nucleic acids are co-encapsulated within a single nanoparticle and how their organization affects delivery performance in relevant in vitro 3D tissue models. The project combines nanoparticle formulation, colloidal self-assembly principles and advanced physicochemical characterization with cellular and molecular biology to establish quantitative structure–function relationships in relevant in vitro models, including 3D tissues.

• Combine colloidal self-assembly and nanomedicine concepts to design and formulate lipid-based nanoparticles for the controlled co-encapsulation and delivery of multiple nucleic acid cargos.
• Quantitatively characterize nanoparticle structure, cargo co-encapsulation, stability, and self-assembly using techniques such as fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering.
• Perform cell-based studies to investigate nanoparticle uptake, transfection, and biological performance in 2D cell culture and relevant in vitro 3D tissue models.
• Integrate physicochemical and biological data to identify design principles governing delivery efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with researchers from the Laboratory for Biointerfaces and the Center for X-ray Analytics.
• Present your work at international conferences and contribute to high-impact scientific publications.

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Quantitative mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interest in soft matter, self-assembly, nanomedicine, nanoparticles, or drug and gene delivery systems.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in nanoparticle formulation, physicochemical characterization, molecular or cellular biology, or a closely related experimental field is highly desirable.
• Experience with relevant molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid handling, cell culture, transfection, microscopy, or flow cytometry, is advantageous.
• Experience with advanced characterization techniques, such as scattering, spectroscopy, or related methods, is also advantageous.
• Programming and data analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, R, or similar are advantageous.
• Proficiency in English;
  German is a plus.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

We provide an international and stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure for personal and professional development. You will be employed full-time (three years, with the possibility of extension for one additional year) at Empa St. Gallen in two research groups (Bio–Nano Assembly and Cell-/Tissue Materials Interactions), which are part of the Laboratory for Biointerfaces and Center for X-ray Analytics. This dynamic environment within the ETH Domain offers state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and an ideal platform to advance your scientific career.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.