Electrochemical Biomarker Sensing with Artificial Enzyme (SDC18)

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.  

Specific tasks may include: 

• Engineering of redox-active or affinity-based interfaces (enzymes and nano-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. 

Research Fields 

• (Electro-)Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Materials Science or a related field 

Secondments 

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

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. 

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 and 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. 

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. 

- 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 

Applications will be run through ETHZ's own recruitment site - https://jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_pEnAl5ZR3hmYqkzxWH

Informal inquiries may be directed to Prof. Andreas Güntner (andregue@ethz.ch) 

Websites of host labs: https://hsl.ethz.ch/; https://musec.ethz.ch/