Postdoctoral Position: Mechanotyping of Complex Cellular Systems
ETH Zürich invites applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on the mechanotyping of complex cellular systems. This interdisciplinary project integrates advanced nanotechnological tools, cell biology, and systems-level quantitative biology to investigate how mechanical properties, forces, and physical phenotypes interact with molecular networks to regulate cellular function across multiple biological scales. The research aims to bridge gaps in mechanobiology by developing engineered multicellular models, innovative mechanical probing techniques, and theoretical frameworks to interpret mechanobiological complexity.
Cells are inherently mechanically heterogeneous, composed of proteins, membranes, and compartments with distinct physical properties. They constantly sense and respond to environmental mechanical cues such as adhesion, stiffness, tension, shear, pressure, and confinement, integrating these signals from nanometer to tissue scales to regulate collective behavior. Mechanobiology seeks to understand how cells, tissues, and organoids perceive, process, and remodel mechanical signals, influencing fundamental biological functions including homeostasis, growth, differentiation, migration, development, and apoptosis.
The postdoctoral project will combine model systems, advanced mechanical probing, and integrative analysis to elucidate how mechanical properties regulate biological function at molecular, cellular, and multicellular levels. 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 and mechanical phenotyping, advanced cell biological techniques such as live-cell imaging and super-resolution microscopy, and systems biology approaches to integrate mechanical phenotypes with molecular, signaling, and transcriptional networks. Quantitative modeling and data-driven analysis of multi-parameter cellular states, as well as high-throughput and multi-scale approaches, will be employed to link mechanical properties to functional outcomes.
The position is based at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich in Basel, offering substantial freedom to shape novel experimental pipelines that bridge physical measurements with systems-level biological insight. Collaboration with internationally leading groups in cell, organoid, and computational biology is expected. The research environment is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, with full access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and expertise at ETH Zürich campuses. Support benefits include networking, career development, and regular seminars and symposia within the ETH Zürich and Basel ecosystem.
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in relevant fields such as cell biology, mechanobiology, bionanotechnology, systems biology, quantitative biology, or computational biosystems analysis. Required experience includes human and animal cell biology, cellular systems, and organoids, as well as expertise in micro-/nanofabrication, advanced optical microscopy, image analysis, and computational analysis. Interest in molecular and cellular biophysics, bionanotechnology, cell and tissue biology, high-end optical microscopy, phenotyping, and multiplexing is welcome. Candidates should demonstrate independence, teamwork, organizational skills, reliability, a strong scientific track record, and fluent English communication skills.
The position is fully funded for 1-2 years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding. ETH Zürich values diversity, sustainability, and an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and a climate-neutral future. Applications are accepted exclusively through the online application portal, with required documents including a letter of motivation, CV with publications, two letters of recommendation, a brief statement of research interests, and a copy of the doctoral degree certificate. The application deadline is March 1, 2026, with evaluation on a rolling basis. For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Dr. Daniel J. Müller at [email protected] (no applications via email).
ETH Zürich is a world-leading university specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and knowledge transfer. The university fosters independent thinking and excellence, with a diverse community and a commitment to solving global challenges.
