Martin Fussenegger

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.

The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of ETH Zürich, led by Professor Dr. Martin Fussenegger, is offering a postdoctoral position focused on developing synthetic biology-inspired human therapies. Located in Basel, Switzerland, the D-BSSE is renowned for its interdisciplinary research environment, uniting theoretical and experimental biology with advanced bioengineering, and fostering collaborations with leaders in material science, physics, and chemistry. This unique setting provides access to both academic and industrial expertise, especially within the BioValley region, which hosts a significant portion of the global life science industry. The research projects will advance the frontiers of cell-based therapies and synthetic biology. The group applies state-of-the-art synthetic biology principles to engineer human cells, aiming to create next-generation cell-based therapies for cancer, metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Innovative platforms such as biosensors, gene switches, genetic closed-loop circuits, and chemical structures are leveraged to design programmable cellular implants and devices for therapeutic applications. The integration of fundamental discoveries with translational development is central to shaping the future of biomedical innovation. Postdoctoral researchers will combine 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 work is highly interdisciplinary, involving 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 for 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 the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of ETH Zürich, led by Professor Dr. Martin Fussenegger, is offering a postdoctoral position in advanced bioelectronic and electrical conversion research. This opportunity is situated in Basel, Switzerland, within the BioValley region, renowned for its concentration of life sciences industry and academic excellence. The D-BSSE is ETH Zürich's first interdisciplinary research department, uniting theoretical and experimental biology with advanced bioengineering, and fostering collaborations across materials science, physics, and chemistry. The research focuses on integrating synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and electrogenetic interfaces to engineer human cells for next-generation bioelectronic medicine. The group designs 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, and closed-loop systems are developed to translate these technologies into clinically relevant, minimally invasive therapies for cancer, metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Postdoctoral projects will combine catalyst engineering, computational simulation, bioelectrode device fabrication, and electrical engineering to develop bioelectronic interfaces for closed-loop programming of cellular behaviour and real-time metabolic monitoring. Opportunities also exist to design novel bioelectronic implants and develop specialized control software. The ideal candidate will have a background in physics, material science, or chemistry, with expertise in bioelectronics or software simulations, or a strong willingness to acquire it, and solid knowledge of electrochemistry and materials chemistry. Collaboration with molecular biologists and bioengineers is expected, and candidates should demonstrate a strong academic record and ambition for a career in industrial R&D or entrepreneurship. ETH Zürich offers a world-class research environment, professional development support, and numerous benefits including public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension plans. 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 Zürich 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, visit the group website or contact Professor Martin Fussenegger at [email protected]. ETH Zürich is one of the world’s leading universities 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 inspires excellence and independent thinking, working together to develop solutions for global challenges.