PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications (SDC18) / PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications (SDC18)

PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications (SDC18)

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ENDOTRAIN is a Horizon Europe Doctoral Training Network dedicated to transforming the diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders through cutting-edge digital tools. This network aims to train a new generation of interdisciplinary experts who integrate clinical endocrinology, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, ethics, and law into the evolving field of digital endocrinology. Are you interested in joining our dynamic team?

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

Project Background

This project is part of Work Package 2 of the ENDOTRAIN network, focusing on the exploration of nanotechnology-enhanced electrochemical sensors for highly sensitive, selective, and reversible biomarker sensing. The work will specifically emphasize the design and fabrication of functional electrode coating materials (nano-enzymes) and surface architectures that enable reversible analyte binding, high signal stability, and resistance to biofouling during prolonged operation. The PhD candidate will be co-hosted by the Human-centered Sensing Laboratory (Prof. Andreas Güntner) and the Laboratory of Exercise and Health (Prof. Katrien de Bock).

Job Description

The candidate will be expected to work full-time on the project and must not have resided or carried out their primary activities (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months within the 36 months leading up to their recruitment date. The student will be enrolled in the structured PhD program of either 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, which includes workshops, retreats, transferable skills courses, and cohort-wide meetings across Europe.

Specific tasks may include:

• Engineering of redox-active or affinity-based interfaces (nanoparticles, single-atom isolates, artificial enzymes) with tunable binding kinetics
• Integrating these interfaces with transduction schemes that deliver high sensitivity and selectivity in complex media
• Validating in controlled in vitro and ex vivo systems, allowing for quantitative correlations between electrochemical signals and dynamic biochemical processes
• Supporting in vivo tests in mouse models and clinical trials

Secondments:

• Imperial College London (UK): Electrochemical sensing strategies
• University Hospital Zurich (CH): Testing of sampler on humans

Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master's degree (MSc or equivalent) in (Electro-)Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• A strong interest in translational health technologies
• An excellent command of written and spoken English
• Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate interdisciplinary
• Ideally, experience in sensor design, nanoparticle fabrication, or single-atom catalysts

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

Starting date: before August 2026

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a family-friendly working environment with excellent conditions. You can expect an exciting workplace rich in cultural diversity and great benefits. We offer:

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

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is a core principle for us as we continuously strive for a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:

• Cover letter summarizing your research achievements and interests
• Detailed CV
• Transcripts of all degrees with ranking information (in English)
• Names and contact information of at least three references
• Representative published research work (Papers, thesis if possible)

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Informal inquiries may be directed to Prof. Andreas Güntner at andregue@ethz.ch. More information on the involved research groups can be found at Human-centered Sensing Laboratory | ETH Zurich and Laboratory of Exercise and Health | ETH Zurich.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our excellent education, pioneering research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters a culture of independent thinking and inspires excellence. Positioned at the heart of Europe and establishing connections worldwide, we collaborate to address the global challenges of today and tomorrow.