Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

Postdoctoral Position: Mechanotyping of Complex Cellular Systems

100%, Basel, fixed-term

We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on the mechanotyping of complex cellular systems. This role combines cutting-edge nanotechnological tools, advanced cell biology, and systems-level quantitative biology. The project aims to uncover how mechanical properties, forces, and physical phenotypes integrate with molecular networks to regulate the function of complex cellular systems across multiple biological scales.

Project Background

Cells are mechanically heterogeneous systems composed of proteins, membranes, and compartments with distinct physical properties. They continuously sense and respond to diverse mechanical cues from their environment, including adhesion, stiffness, tension, shear, pressure, and confinement. These cues are integrated across wide spatial and temporal scales, from nanometers to tissues, to regulate collective cellular behavior.

Mechanobiology seeks to understand how cells, tissues, and organoids perceive, process, and remodel mechanical signals, and how these processes govern fundamental biological functions such as homeostasis, growth, differentiation, migration, development, and apoptosis. Despite major advances, a multiscale understanding of how mechanical information is generated and integrated in complex multicellular systems remains limited.

Progress in the field requires the development of engineered multicellular models as mechanical reference systems, new tools to quantitatively measure and manipulate mechanics across scales, and theoretical frameworks to interpret mechanobiological complexity. This postdoctoral project addresses these challenges by combining model systems, advanced mechanical probing, and integrative analysis to elucidate how mechanical properties regulate biological function across molecular, cellular, and multicellular levels, ultimately supporting advances in mechanodiagnostics and mechanomedicine.

Job Description

You will work at the interface of mechanobiology, nanotechnology, systems biology, and quantitative biology, developing and applying innovative experimental and analytical approaches to characterize cellular mechanical states and their regulatory roles. Research directions include:

• Quantitative mechanotyping of single cells, tissues, and multicellular systems (e.g., organoids, spheroids)
• Development and application of nanotechnological platforms for force sensing, manipulation, and mechanical phenotyping
• Advanced cell biological techniques, including live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, and genetically encoded reporters
• Systems biology approaches to integrate mechanical phenotypes with molecular, signaling, and transcriptional networks
• Quantitative modeling and data-driven analysis of multi-parameter cellular states
• High-throughput and multi-scale approaches to link mechanical properties to functional cellular outcomes

The position offers substantial freedom to shape novel experimental pipelines that bridge physical measurements with systems-level biological insight. You will work independently on an interdisciplinary, challenging project at the highest scientific levels at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich in Basel, collaborating with internationally leading groups in cell, organoid, and computational biology.

Profile

• PhD degree or equivalent in cell biology, mechanobiology, bionanotechnology, systems biology, quantitative biology (phenotyping), computational biosystems analysis, or other related disciplines
• Experience in human and animal cell biology, cellular systems, and organoids
• Expertise in micro-/nanofabrication, advanced optical microscopy and nanooscopy, image analysis, and computational analysis
• Interest in gaining training in molecular and cellular biophysics, bionanotechnology, cell and tissue biology, high-end optical microscopy, phenotyping, and multiplexing
• Interest in interdisciplinary research at ETH Zurich in Basel encompassing cell biology, organoid biology, nanotechnology, mechanobiology, computational biology, and biophysics is welcome
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent organizational skills and high reliability
• Strong track record in scientific work, communication, and publishing
• Outstanding ability to work independently in highly collaborative teams
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are essential

Workplace

You will be working at the ETH Zurich, recognized globally for its excellence in education and cutting-edge research, situated in Basel, Switzerland, a hub for technological advancement.

We Offer

• Exciting and highly innovative research within the framework of the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich in Basel
• A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
• Full access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and expertise at ETH Zurich
• Support benefits including networking and career development
• Regular seminars and symposia as part of the ETH Zurich and Basel ecosystem
• Fully funded position for initially 1-2 years, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding

To apply, please use the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its exceptional education, pioneering research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich hosts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our institution nurtures independent thinking and fosters an environment that inspires excellence, working together to address the global challenges of today and tomorrow.