PhD Position in Photoactive Nanozymes for Biomedical Applications at Empa Nanomaterials in Health Lab Empa in Switzerland

Empa, a leading research institution within the ETH Domain, is offering a fully funded PhD position in the Nanomaterials in Health Lab located in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The lab is renowned for its interdisciplinary research in nanomedicine, focusing on the design and characterization of particulate materials for advanced biomedical applications. This project centers on the synthesis and optimization of photoactive nanozymes, with the goal of developing clinically relevant solutions for drug delivery, imaging, and diagnosis.

As a PhD student, you will be responsible for synthesizing photoactive nanozymes, ensuring their reproducibility and scalability, and modifying their surface chemistry to enhance biocompatibility and stability. You will formulate and optimize solution-based systems, integrating nanozymes into clinically relevant formulations and characterizing their physicochemical properties. A key aspect of the research involves understanding and tuning the enzymatic activities of these nanomaterials, correlating their structure and functionalization with their catalytic performance. The project also includes phototherapy evaluation, where you will study activation under near-infrared (NIR) light and assess both catalytic and photothermal properties. Biomedical evaluation will be conducted using in vitro astrocytoma relapse models and ex vivo patient-derived tissue samples, providing a direct link to clinical relevance.

The position is supervised by Dr. Giacomo Reina, with collaborative input from PD Dr. Isabel Hostettler (Kantonsspital St. Gallen) and joint affiliation to ETH Zürich (D-HEST, Prof. Peter Wick). The project is planned for three years, with the possibility of extension, and is fully supported by Empa, including salary and research resources. The desired starting date is May 1, 2026, or upon mutual agreement.

Applicants should possess a completed Master’s degree in biomaterials, chemistry, nanotechnology, or biomedical engineering. Required skills include experience in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization, familiarity with cell culture, 3D models, and in vitro assays. Additional experience in phototherapy, programming, and large data analysis is advantageous. Fluency in English and strong communication skills are essential.

Empa fosters a culture of inclusion and respect, welcoming candidates who are passionate about innovative, sustainable, and meaningful research. The application process is online, and candidates are encouraged to prepare all relevant documents and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying. For further details and to submit your application, visit the provided application link.