PhD position engineering of machine perfusion platforms organ and tissue culture

PhD position on engineering of machine perfusion platforms for organ and tissue culture

Position within The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory (Prof. Mark W. Tibbitt) at ETH Zürich, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering.

The lab develops ex‑situ organ perfusion systems, including normothermic platforms enabling prolonged organ viability. The doctoral project focuses on existing human and rat liver perfusion platforms and the design of next‑generation devices for new biological applications, with an intended start date on or after 01 September 2026.

• Learn and operate the lab’s human and rat liver perfusion systems.
• Design, assemble and control perfusion hardware, and develop control software and sensor integration for real‑time monitoring of physiological parameters (pH, oxygen tension, glucose, lactate, pressure, flow).
• Support ongoing perfusion experiments in collaboration with clinical and biological partners.
• Conceive, design and prototype next‑generation perfusion‑based platforms for new biological applications.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of engineers, biologists and clinicians.
• Contribute to lab duties and teaching, including student supervision, lecture support and practical courses.

• MSc degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, process engineering, robotics or a related field.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and experience with electromechanical system design (sensors, actuators, pumps, control systems).
• Proficiency in English (oral and written).
• Experience in embedded systems programming and real‑time control (e.g., LabVIEW, Simulink Real‑Time, ROS, C/C++, STM
  32) and/or analog/digital PCB design, machine prototyping, CAD, 3D printing, machining, biomedical device or microfluidic device development is advantageous.
• Proactive, self‑driven work ethic, proven academic excellence and ability to work collaboratively in an international team.
• Position requires admission to the Doctoral Program at ETH Zürich.

Position hosted in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D‑MAVT) at ETH Zürich, central Zurich. International interdisciplinary environment, access to cutting‑edge facilities and an inclusive culture. ETH promotes equality of opportunity and works toward a climate‑neutral future.