PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications

ETH Zurich Department of Mechnical and Process Engineering

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. 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.  

Project background

This project is embedded in Work Package 2 of the ENDOTRAIN network that will explore the use of nanotechnology-enhanced electrochemical sensors for highly sensitive, selective and reversible biomarker sensing. Specifically, the work will focus on 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 long-term operation. 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 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
  • Strong interest in translational health technologies
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English
  • Good communication skills and capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Ideally: Experience in sensor design, nanoparticle fabrication, single-atom catalysts 

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

Workplace

We offer

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 

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We value diversity and sustainability

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 are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

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 informatio (English)
  • Names and contact information of at least three references
  • Representative published research work (Papers, thesis if possible)

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 ETH Zürich

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.
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