Doctoral Position on Viscoelastic Hydrogels for 3D Mechanobiology and Tissue Repair
ETH Zurich is advertising a full-time doctoral position in the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory led by Prof. Mark W. Tibbitt in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), Zurich, Switzerland.
The project focuses on viscoelastic hydrogels for 3D mechanobiology and tissue repair. The research will develop dynamic covalent hydrogels as designer extracellular matrix mimics and use them to study how matrix viscoelasticity influences cell behavior in biologically important settings such as cartilage maturation and cancer cell migration.
The successful candidate will synthesize PEG- and hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels using dynamic covalent chemistries including boronate ester, hydrazone, imine, and disulfide bonds. The work will span a broad mechanical range and involve material fabrication and characterization using rheology and nano-indentation, followed by mechanobiology studies in 3D cell culture.
The role is embedded in an interdisciplinary environment with support from Dr. Céline Labouesse and collaboration with Dr. Philipp Fisch, both experts in cell mechanobiology. The PhD candidate will also contribute to teaching and laboratory duties, including student supervision, lecture support, and practical courses.
Applicants should hold an MSc in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, molecular health sciences, materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline. Experience in polymer synthesis and hydrogel fabrication is required, while experience with 3D cell culture, biological assays, soft-material mechanics, or live-cell imaging is an advantage. Strong English communication skills and a proactive, independent working style are expected.
The position is intended to last four years at 100% employment and is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Start date is expected on or after 1 October 2026, and admission to the Doctoral Program at ETH Zurich is required.
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF through the ETH Zurich online portal and should include a motivation letter, CV, diplomas and transcripts, and at least three references. Email and postal applications will not be considered.
