Fully Funded PhD Position: Electrochemical Biomarker Sensing with Artificial Enzyme (SDC18) – ENDOTRAIN MSCA Doctoral Network ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zürich invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Electrochemical Biomarker Sensing with Artificial Enzyme (SDC18), as part of the prestigious ENDOTRAIN MSCA Doctoral Network. This interdisciplinary project is embedded in Work Package 2 of ENDOTRAIN, focusing on the development of nanotechnology-enhanced electrochemical sensors for highly sensitive, selective, and reversible biomarker detection. The research aims to design and fabricate advanced electrode coating materials (nano-enzymes) and surface architectures that enable reversible analyte binding, high signal stability, and resistance to biofouling during long-term operation.

Key tasks include engineering redox-active or affinity-based interfaces (enzymes and nano-enzymes) with tunable binding kinetics, integrating these with transduction schemes for high sensitivity and selectivity in complex media, and validating the technology in controlled in vitro and ex vivo systems. The project also supports in vivo tests in mouse models and clinical trials, bridging fundamental research with translational health applications.

The successful candidate will be based at ETH Zürich, one of Europe’s leading technical universities, within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. The position offers a unique blend of engineering, health, and technology research, with secondments at Imperial College London (UK) for electrochemical sensing strategies and University Hospital Zurich (CH) for human testing.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in (Electro-)Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, and demonstrate a strong interest in translational health technologies. Excellent English language skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines are essential. Experience in sensor design, nanoparticle fabrication, or single-atom catalysts is highly desirable. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment, in accordance with MSCA mobility rules.

The position is fully funded, offering a competitive salary according to Swiss National Science Foundation regulations, full social security coverage, and a travel and secondment budget. The doctoral programme includes mandatory participation in ENDOTRAIN’s interdisciplinary training, workshops, retreats, transferable skills courses, and cohort-wide meetings across Europe. The appointment is for three years, with the possibility of extension, and the latest start date is August 2026.

To apply, candidates should submit their application via the ETH Zürich job portal, including a CV, cover letter, and supporting documents. Applications are accepted year-round. This opportunity provides international networking, industry exposure, and career development in a cutting-edge research environment.