100%, Zurich, fixed-term
Dr. Daniel A. Richards and Professor Andrew J. deMello, in the Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering at ETH Zürich (ETHZ), along with Dr. Loïc Burr of the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), are seeking a PhD student to develop CRISPR-Cas-based electrochemical biosensors for multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-MTB). This project is funded through an SNSF BRIDGE Discovery grant and will be conducted as part of a multi-institutional consortium, including ETHZ, CSEM, the Swiss Tropical Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), and the National Centre for Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NCTLD) in Tbilisi, Georgia. The position will ideally be filled by someone with a background in CRISPR-Cas and/or electrochemical biosensing, although candidates with experience in biosensing or analytical chemistry will also be considered. This is a four-year position and entails time spent at both ETHZ and CSEM.
Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for approximately 1.25 million deaths annually, rendering it the deadliest infectious disease worldwide. Alarmingly, 98% of global TB cases occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), resulting in widespread devastation. The misuse of antibiotics has led to significant drug resistance, with drug resistance rates surpassing 50% in severely affected areas.
Most TB-related deaths can be prevented with early diagnosis; however, nearly a quarter of all cases remain undiagnosed. Additionally, the proliferation of drug resistance correlates with a lack of effective methods to identify resistance markers, impeding proper antibiotic management. Current diagnostic technologies are inadequate for detecting TB and associated drug resistances, especially at the point-of-care (PoC). Few existing technologies can rapidly and accurately diagnose TB while determining drug resistances, and those that do are often large and costly, limiting their accessibility in LMICs. Moreover, these technologies frequently rely on sputum samples, which are challenging to obtain in low-resource settings.
This PhD project aims to develop RPA-CRISPR-Cas assays capable of multiplexing 14 targets for TB and associated drug resistance markers from a single sample. These assays will be paired with innovative electrochemical reporters to facilitate miniaturization and provide quantitative disease readouts. To promote deployment at the PoC, we will utilize CSEM's facilities and expertise to integrate these technologies into an affordable cartridge and reader system. The research team will collaborate with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and the National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Disease in Georgia, who will validate the technology with patient samples and conduct a pilot study. This offers the student the opportunity for travel and fieldwork.
These assays aim to address a critical gap in the current TB treatment pathway, bringing care to millions of underserved patients, particularly in LMICs. By enabling rapid TB diagnosis, this technology will support more accurate medical interventions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare system burdens. Additionally, by focusing on common drug resistance markers, this technology will improve antimicrobial stewardship and serve as a powerful tool in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
We invite applications from scientists eager to gain expertise in bioengineering, in vitro diagnostics, and global health. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline. However, we value overall experience, expertise, and ambition over specific research disciplines. Successful candidates will integrate into an international research team and are expected to be highly motivated and passionate about science, engineering, and global health.
ETH Zurich provides a multicultural and multidisciplinary research environment along with attractive hiring conditions, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and strong support for career progression.
ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, embrace diversity, and strive to create a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. For more information on our commitment to equality and diversity, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is central to our values, and we consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include:
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For additional information about the deMello group, please visit our website. For inquiries regarding the position, feel free to reach out to Dr. Daniel Richards (daniel.richards@chem.ethz.ch) or Dr. Loïc Burr (loic.burr@csem.ch).
ETH Zurich is among the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct application of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we foster a culture of independent thinking and an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Centrally located in Europe, yet interconnected globally, we collaborate to address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland