PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications (SDC18)

ETH Zürich, Switzerland

Updated: about 4 hours ago
Job Type: PartTime
Deadline: 26 Apr 2026

27 Jan 2026
Job Information
Organisation/Company

ETH Zürich
Research Field

Chemistry » Other
Engineering » Biomedical engineering
Engineering » Chemical engineering
Medical sciences » Other
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Application Deadline

26 Apr 2026 - 21:59 (UTC)
Country

Switzerland
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Part-time
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe - MSCA
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

PhD Position in Electrochemical Sensing for Health Applications (SDC18)

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 2of 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

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 

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainabilityIn 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 ZürichETH 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.


Where to apply
Website
https://academicpositions.com/ad/eth-zurich/2026/phd-position-in-electrochemica…

Requirements
Research Field
Chemistry
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Research Field
Engineering
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Research Field
Engineering
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Research Field
Medical sciences
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Additional Information
Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
ETH Zürich
Country
Switzerland
City
Zurich
Postal Code
8006
Street
Rämistrasse 101
Geofield


Contact
City

Zurich
Website

https://ethz.ch/en.html
Postal Code

8006

STATUS: EXPIRED

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