PhD Position in Biofluid Sampling Technologies Localized Physiological Measurements; SDC

ENDOTRAIN is a Horizon Europe Doctoral Training Network dedicated to transforming the diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders through cutting-edge digital tools. ENDOTRAIN will train a new generation of interdisciplinary experts who merge clinical endocrinology, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, ethics and law into an integrated field of digital endocrinology. Interested in joining the team?

ETH Zürich is one of Europe’s foremost technical universities, located in the heart of Switzerland. The PhD candidate will be positioned at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and the Department of Health Sciences and Technology, offering a unique interdisciplinary blend of cutting-edge research in engineering, health, and technology.

This project is embedded in Work Package 2of the ENDOTRAIN network that will innovate, develop and test novel data acquisition and aggregation technologies for physiological measurements. This PhD project will focus on the development of micromachined platforms for minimally invasive and localized access to biofludis (e.g., interstitial fluid (ISF) or in muscle tissue) enabling the direct and continuous sampling and analysis of metabolites, hormones and other markers.

This research has the potential to transform diagnostic and monitoring strategies in sports science, rehabilitation, and muscle-related diseases. The PhD candidate will be co-hosted by the Human-centered Sensing Laboratory (Prof. Anreas Güntner) and the Laboratory of Exercise and Health (Prof. Katrien de Bock).

The candidate should work full-time on the project and must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. The student will be enrolled in the structured PhD programme of the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering or the Department of Health Sciences and Technology.

Participation in the interdisciplinary training of the ENDOTRAIN network is mandatory, including workshops, retreats, transferable skills courses, and cohort-wide meetings across Europe.

Specific tasks may include:

• Design and fabricate advanced microfabricated systems (e.g., microneedle, implantables, microfluidic) capable of precise spatial sampling of biofluid or insertion into tissue.
• Investigate concepts for minimal tissue disruption and high analyte recovery efficiency.
• Quantify analyte concentration dynamically during different physiological states in mouse models and humans.
• Develop models for local production, metabolism and diffusion of analytes between blood, ISF, and in tissue.

Secondments

• University of Bergen (NO):
  Validation of sampling strategy
• University Hospital Zurich (CH):
  Testing of sampler on humans

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field
• Strong interest in translational health technologies
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Good communication skills and capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Ideally:
  Knowledge in microfabrication in clean rooms, biocompatible materials and/or implantables

Applicants must fulfil eligibility criteria for Swiss-based PhD positions and be willing to participate in training activities across Europe.

Starting date: before August 2026

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits. We offer:

• Competitive salary according to Swiss National Science Foundation regulations
• Full social security coverage in Switzerland
• Travel and secondment budget included
• Opportunities for international networking, industry exposure, and career development

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students…