Martin Fussenegger

The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group at ETH Zürich, led by Professor Dr. Martin Fussenegger, is offering a postdoctoral position focused on developing synthetic biology-inspired human therapies. Based at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) in Basel, this group operates at the intersection of biology, engineering, and physical sciences, fostering interdisciplinary research and collaborations with leaders in material science, physics, and chemistry. The D-BSSE is renowned for its pioneering advances in systems biology, biotechnology, and synthetic biology, and is situated in Basel’s BioValley, a global hub for life sciences and pharmaceutical innovation. Research projects in this postdoctoral role will advance cell-based therapies by applying synthetic biology principles to engineer human cells. The group’s work targets cancer, metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and infectious diseases, leveraging innovative platforms such as biosensors, gene switches, genetic closed-loop circuits, and chemical structures that interface with cellular activities. The aim is to design programmable cellular implants and devices for therapeutic applications, integrating fundamental discoveries with translational development to shape the future of biomedical innovation. Postdoctoral projects will combine molecular engineering, cell programming, and chemical–biological interfacing to engineer human cells using synthetic gene circuits and biosensing platforms. Responsibilities include developing novel biosensing systems for real-time monitoring of cellular states, creating genetic architectures for precise therapeutic protein regulation, and translating these advances into programmable cellular implant prototypes. The research environment is highly interdisciplinary, encouraging close collaboration with molecular biologists, bioengineers, and clinical researchers to accelerate translation into clinically relevant therapies. Applicants should be highly motivated to bridge basic and translational research in cell biology and synthetic biology. Required qualifications include strong skills in molecular and cell biology techniques, experience with cultivation and engineering of primary human cells and mammalian cell lines, and ideally, experience with in vivo techniques and completion of an accredited course in laboratory animal science (FELASA / LTK or equivalent). A strong publication record and ambition to pursue a career in academia, industrial R&D, or biotechnology entrepreneurship are preferred. ETH Zürich offers a world-class research environment, professional development opportunities, and numerous benefits such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension benefits. The university values diversity, sustainability, and equality of opportunity, promoting an inclusive culture and working towards a climate-neutral future. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal and should include a CV, list of publications, motivation letter, three letters of recommendation, and a brief research plan (1 page). Applications sent via email or postal services will not be considered. For further information, candidates may contact Professor Martin Fussenegger by email.

The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group at ETH Zürich, led by Professor Dr. Martin Fussenegger, is offering a postdoctoral position in advanced bioelectronic and electrical conversion research. Based at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) in Basel, this group operates at the intersection of synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and bioelectronics, providing a world-class interdisciplinary research environment. D-BSSE unites theoretical and experimental biology with advanced bioengineering, collaborating closely with leaders in materials science, physics, and chemistry to drive transformative advances in systems biology, biotechnology, and synthetic biology. Located in Basel, Switzerland, within the BioValley region—a hub for global life sciences and pharmaceutical industries—the group offers unparalleled access to academic and industrial expertise. The research focuses on integrating synthetic biology with nanotechnology and electrogenetic interfaces to engineer human cells for next-generation bioelectronic medicine. Projects aim to design programmable cells that respond to electrical, electromagnetic, acoustic, and biochemical cues, enabling wireless, real-time control of therapeutic protein expression and metabolic regulation. Innovative platforms such as direct-current-actuated regulation, electromagnetic programming of wireless expression, and closed-loop systems are leveraged to translate these technologies into clinically relevant, minimally invasive therapies for cancer, metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. The postdoctoral projects will combine catalyst engineering, computational simulation, bioelectrode device fabrication, and electrical engineering to develop bioelectronic interfaces for closed-loop programming of cellular behavior and real-time monitoring of metabolic activity. Opportunities also exist to design novel bioelectronic implants and develop specialized control software. Applicants should have a background in physics, material science, or chemistry, ideally with expertise in bioelectronics or software simulations, or a strong willingness to acquire it, alongside solid knowledge of electrochemistry and materials chemistry. Candidates must be eager to collaborate with molecular biologists and bioengineers, demonstrate a strong academic record, and have ambition for a career in industrial R&D or entrepreneurship. ETH Zürich offers numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension benefits. The university values diversity, sustainability, and equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture and climate-neutral future. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online application portal and should include a CV, list of publications, motivation letter, three letters of recommendation, and a brief research plan (1 page). Applications sent via email or post will not be considered. For further information, candidates may contact Professor Martin Fussenegger or visit the group website. ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, the university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence, working together to develop solutions for global challenges.

The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group at ETH Zürich, led by Professor Dr. Martin Fussenegger, is offering a PhD position in Advanced Bioelectronic & Electrical Conversion Research. This opportunity is based at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) in Basel, Switzerland, a hub for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, engineering, and physical sciences. The D-BSSE unites theoretical and experimental biology with advanced bioengineering, collaborating closely with experts in materials science, physics, and chemistry to drive innovation in systems biology, biotechnology, and synthetic biology. Located in Basel, at the heart of the BioValley, the group benefits from proximity to major pharmaceutical companies and a vibrant life sciences industry, providing an ideal environment for translational research and access to both academic and industrial expertise. The research focuses on integrating synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and electrogenetic interfaces to engineer human cells for next-generation bioelectronic medicine. Projects aim to design programmable cells that respond to electrical, electromagnetic, acoustic, and biochemical cues, enabling wireless, real-time control of therapeutic protein expression and metabolic regulation. PhD candidates will engage in catalyst engineering, computational simulation, bioelectrode device fabrication, and electrical engineering to develop bioelectronic interfaces for closed-loop programming of cellular behavior and real-time metabolic monitoring. There are also opportunities to design novel bioelectronic implants and develop specialized control software. The research is highly interdisciplinary, with applications in cancer, metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Applicants should have a strong academic record and a background in physics, material science, or chemistry. Expertise in bioelectronics or software simulations is preferred, or a willingness to acquire these skills, along with solid knowledge of electrochemistry and materials chemistry. Collaboration with molecular biologists and bioengineers is essential. The position offers numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension options. ETH Zürich values diversity, sustainability, and equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive and climate-neutral environment. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Required documents include a CV, complete academic transcripts, a list of publications, a motivation letter, two letters of recommendation, and a brief research plan (1 page). Applications sent via email or post will not be considered. For further information, candidates may contact Professor Martin Fussenegger at [email protected] or visit the group website. ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellence in science and technology education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to societal impact. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, the university promotes independent thinking and works collaboratively to address global challenges.

The Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) at ETH Zürich in Basel offers a PhD position in the Biotechnology and Bioengineering group led by Professor Dr. Martin Fussenegger. This group is renowned for its pioneering work at the intersection of biology, engineering, and physical sciences, focusing on synthetic biology-inspired human therapies. D-BSSE is a highly interdisciplinary research department, integrating theoretical and experimental biology with advanced bioengineering, and collaborating with leaders in material science, physics, and chemistry. The department is located in Basel, Switzerland, within the BioValley region, which is a global hub for life sciences and pharmaceutical innovation. The research projects in this PhD position aim to advance cell-based therapies and synthetic biology. The group applies state-of-the-art synthetic biology principles to engineer human cells, developing next-generation therapies for cancer, metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Innovative platforms such as biosensors, gene switches, genetic closed-loop circuits, and chemical structures are used to design programmable cellular implants and devices for therapeutic applications. The work is highly translational, integrating fundamental discoveries with clinical development to shape the future of biomedical innovation. PhD candidates will engage in molecular engineering, cell programming, and chemical–biological interfacing to engineer human cells using synthetic gene circuits and biosensing platforms. Projects include developing novel biosensing systems for real-time monitoring of cellular states, creating genetic architectures for precise therapeutic protein regulation, and translating these advances into programmable cellular implant prototypes. The research is interdisciplinary, involving close collaboration with molecular biologists, bioengineers, and clinical researchers to accelerate translation into clinically relevant therapies. Applicants should be highly motivated and eager to bridge basic and translational research in cell biology and synthetic biology. Strong skills in molecular and cell biology techniques, including cultivation and engineering of primary human cells and mammalian cell lines, are required. Experience with in vivo techniques and completion of an accredited course in laboratory animal science (FELASA / LTK or equivalent) are considered assets. Candidates should have an outstanding academic record and enthusiasm for building a career in academia, industrial R&D, or biotechnology entrepreneurship. ETH Zürich offers a world-class research environment, professional development opportunities, and numerous benefits such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension benefits. The university values diversity, sustainability, and equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture and working towards a climate-neutral future. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Required documents include CV, complete academic transcripts, publication list, motivation letter, two letters of recommendation, and a brief research plan (1 page). Applications sent via email or postal services will not be considered. For further information, candidates may contact Professor Martin Fussenegger at [email protected] or visit the group’s academic page. ETH Zürich is one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. The university promotes independent thinking and provides an inspiring environment for over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries.