Postdoctoral Position: Mechanotyping of Complex Cellular Systems ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zürich invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in 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 focuses on mechanobiology, exploring how cells, tissues, and organoids perceive, process, and remodel mechanical signals. The project aims to develop engineered multicellular models, new quantitative tools for measuring and manipulating mechanics, and theoretical frameworks to interpret mechanobiological complexity. By combining model systems, advanced mechanical probing, and integrative analysis, the project seeks to elucidate how mechanical properties regulate biological function at molecular, cellular, and multicellular levels, supporting advances in mechanodiagnostics and mechanomedicine.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work at the interface of mechanobiology, nanotechnology, systems biology, and quantitative biology. You will develop and apply innovative experimental and analytical approaches to characterize cellular mechanical states and their regulatory roles. Research directions include quantitative mechanotyping of single cells, tissues, and multicellular systems (such as organoids and spheroids), development and application of nanotechnological platforms for force sensing and mechanical phenotyping, advanced cell biological techniques (including live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, and genetically encoded reporters), systems biology approaches to integrate mechanical phenotypes with molecular, signaling, and transcriptional networks, quantitative modeling and data-driven analysis of multi-parameter cellular states, and high-throughput, multi-scale approaches to link mechanical properties to functional cellular outcomes.

The position offers substantial freedom to shape novel experimental pipelines that bridge physical measurements with systems-level biological insight. You will work independently on a challenging and complex interdisciplinary project at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich in Basel, collaborating with internationally leading groups in cell, organoid, and computational biology.

Applicants must hold a PhD degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as cell biology, mechanobiology, bionanotechnology, systems biology, quantitative biology (phenotyping), or computational biosystems analysis. Experience in human and animal cell biology, cellular systems, and organoids is required, along with expertise in micro-/nanofabrication, advanced optical microscopy and nanooscopy, 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 the ability to work independently and as part of a team, excellent organizational skills, high reliability, a strong scientific communication and publishing record, and fluent oral and written English.

ETH Zürich offers an exciting, highly innovative, and collaborative research environment within the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering in Basel. The position is fully funded for 1-2 years, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding. Benefits include access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities, networking and career development support, and regular seminars and symposia. ETH Zürich values diversity and sustainability, promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing a fair and open environment for all staff and students.

To apply, submit your online application via the ETH Zürich application portal. Prepare a single PDF including a letter of motivation, CV with publication list, two letters of recommendation, a brief statement of research interests, and a copy of your doctoral degree certificate. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Dr. Daniel J. Müller at [email protected] (no applications).

ETH Zürich is a world-leading university specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Located in the heart of Europe, ETH Zürich fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence, working together to develop solutions for global challenges.