Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Health Sciences and Technology
Institute:
ETH Zurich
Country:
Switzerland
Research Field:
Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science
Posted Date:
Jan 26, 2026
Deadline:
open until filled
Offer Period:
NA
Offer Start Date:
before August 2026
PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications
Description:
Project background
- This project is embedded in Work Package 2 of 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).
Job description
- 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:
- Engineering of redox-active or affinity-based interfaces (nanoparticles, single-atom isolates, artificial enzymes) with tunable binding kinetics
- Integrating them with transduction schemes that deliver high sensitivity and selectivity in complex media
- Validation in controlled in vitro and ex vivo systems, enabling quantitative correlations between electrochemical signals and dynamic biochemical processes
- Support in vivo tests in mouse models and clinical trial
Secondments
- Imperial College London (UK): Electrochemical sensing strategies
- University Hospital Zurich (CH): Testing of sampler on humans
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- A Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in (Electro-)Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field
- Strong interest in translational health technologies
- Excellent command of written and spoken English
- Ideally: Experience in sensor design, nanoparticle fabrication, single-atom catalysts
- Good communication skills and capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration
Preferred Qualification:
Not Available
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
Not Available
Benefits:
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
Application Process:
Documents Required:
We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:
- Cover letter with the description of your research achievements and research interests
- Detailed CV
- Transcripts of all degrees including ranking information (English)
- Names and contact information of at least three references
- Representative published research work (Papers, thesis if possible)
How to apply:
- Please submit the application documents using only the ETH online portal in a single merged PDF document, titled with your last name and initials as well as the application date (for example, name_application). Do not send it by e-mail.
- Informal inquiries may be directed to Prof. Andreas Güntner (andregue@ethz.ch). More information on the involved research groups can be found under: Homepage – Human-centered Sensing Laboratory | ETH Zurich and Homepage – Laboratory of Exercise and Health | ETH Zurich
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.