Peter Wick

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 drug delivery, imaging, and diagnosis. This project centers on the synthesis and biomedical application of photoactive nanozymes, with the goal of advancing personalized medicine strategies. As a PhD student, you will synthesize photoactive nanozymes, ensuring reproducibility and scalability, and modify their surface chemistry to enhance biocompatibility and stability. You will formulate and optimize clinically relevant solution formulations, characterize physicochemical properties, and correlate enzymatic activities with nanomaterial structure and functionalization. The project includes phototherapy evaluation under NIR light, assessment of catalytic and photothermal performance, and biomedical validation using in vitro astrocytoma relapse models and ex vivo patient-derived tissue samples. The position is supervised by Dr. Giacomo Reina (Empa), in collaboration with PD Dr. Isabel Hostettler (Kantonsspital St. Gallen), and offers joint affiliation with ETH Zürich (D-HEST, Prof. Peter Wick). The project is planned for three years, with the possibility of extension, and is supported by Empa. The working environment is inclusive, innovative, and student-focused, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant research community. Applicants must have a completed Master’s degree in biomaterials, chemistry, nanotechnology, or biomedical engineering, with experience in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization. Familiarity with cell culture, 3D models, and in vitro assays is required, while experience in phototherapy, programming, and large data analysis is advantageous. Fluency in English and excellent communication skills are essential. The application deadline is May 1, 2026, or upon mutual agreement. Interested candidates should apply online via the provided link, submitting a CV, cover letter, and relevant certificates. For further information, contact the HR partner at Empa. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated students to contribute to cutting-edge research in nanomedicine and materials science.

Empa, a leading research institution within the ETH Domain in Switzerland, is offering a PhD position focused on the development of antimicrobial materials as antibiotic alternatives in dentistry. The position is based at the Nanomaterials in Health Lab, an interdisciplinary environment renowned for pioneering research in nanomedicine, including personalized particle design for drug delivery, imaging, and diagnosis. The lab specializes in understanding the interaction of particulate materials with biological systems, including bio-functionalization, cellular uptake, and translocation across biological barriers. The successful candidate will synthesize photoactive nanozymes, ensuring reproducibility and scalability, and modify their surface chemistry for optimal biocompatibility and stability. The project involves formulating and optimizing clinically relevant solution formulations, characterizing physicochemical properties, and correlating enzymatic activities of nanomaterials with their structure and functionalization. Phototherapy evaluation under NIR light and assessment of catalytic and photothermal performance are key components, alongside biomedical validation in vitro using astrocytoma relapse models and ex vivo patient-derived tissue samples. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in biomaterials, chemistry, nanotechnology, or biomedical engineering, with experience in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization. Familiarity with cell culture, 3D models, and in vitro assays is required, while experience in phototherapy, programming, and large data analysis is advantageous. Strong communication skills and fluency in English are essential. The PhD project is planned for three years, with the possibility of extension, and is fully supported by Empa. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Giacomo Reina, with collaboration from PD Dr. Isabel Hostettler (Kantonsspital St. Gallen) and joint affiliation to ETH Zürich (D-HEST, Prof. Peter Wick). The research will be conducted at Empa in St. Gallen, Switzerland, in a culture of inclusion and respect. To apply, candidates must submit a complete online application via the Empa job portal, including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas, and contact details of two reference persons. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered. The desired starting date is May 1, 2026, or upon mutual agreement. For more information and to apply, visit the provided application link.

The Nanointercell Research Group at Empa, a leading Swiss research institution in the ETH Domain, is seeking a motivated PhD student to join their interdisciplinary team. The open position focuses on the development of photoactive nanozymes to address astrocytoma relapse, integrating cutting-edge research in nanomedicine, cancer research, and materials science. The successful candidate will work within the Nanomaterials in Health Lab, which pioneers investigations in nanomedicine, including the design of particles for drug delivery, imaging, and diagnosis, as well as the study of particle interactions with biological systems. Key research areas include the synthesis of photoactive nanozymes, ensuring reproducibility and scalability, and modifying surface chemistry for biocompatibility and stability. The candidate will formulate and optimize clinically relevant solution formulations, characterize physicochemical properties, and correlate enzymatic activities of nanomaterials with their structure and functionalization. The project also involves phototherapy evaluation under NIR light and assessment of catalytic and photothermal performance, as well as biomedical validation in vitro and ex vivo using astrocytoma models and patient-derived tissue samples. The position is fully funded for three years, with the possibility of extension, and will be carried out as a PhD thesis under the supervision of Dr. Giacomo Reina (Empa), in collaboration with PD Dr. Isabel Hostettler (Kantonsspital St. Gallen) and Prof. Peter Wick (ETH Zürich). The research will be conducted at Empa in St. Gallen, with joint affiliation to ETH Zürich (D-HEST). The desired starting date is May 1, 2026, or upon mutual agreement. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in biomaterials, chemistry, nanotechnology, or biomedical engineering, and have experience in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization. Familiarity with cell culture, 3D models, and in vitro assays is required. Additional experience in phototherapy, programming, and large data analysis is advantageous. Excellent communication skills and fluency in English are essential. Empa values inclusion and diversity, welcoming applicants interested in innovative and meaningful research. To apply, candidates should submit a complete online application, including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas, and contact details of two reference persons, exclusively via the official job portal. Applications by email or post will not be considered. For further information, contact Dr. Giacomo Reina, Group Leader, Nanomaterials in Health.

Empa, a leading research institution of the ETH Domain in Switzerland, is offering a PhD position focused on the development of anticancer nanozymes to combat astrocytoma relapse. The position is based in the Nanomaterials in Health Lab, an interdisciplinary environment renowned for pioneering research in nanomedicine, including personalized particle design for drug delivery, imaging, and diagnosis. The successful candidate will synthesize photoactive nanozymes, ensuring reproducibility and scalability, and modify their surface chemistry for enhanced biocompatibility and stability. The project also involves integrating nanozymes into clinically relevant formulations, characterizing their physicochemical properties, and correlating enzymatic activities with nanomaterial structure and functionalization. Phototherapy evaluation under NIR light and assessment of catalytic and photothermal performance are key components, alongside biomedical validation using in vitro astrocytoma relapse models and ex vivo patient-derived tissue samples. The position is supported by Empa and supervised by Dr. Giacomo Reina, in collaboration with PD Dr. Isabel Hostettler (Kantonsspital St. Gallen) and with joint affiliation to ETH Zürich (D-HEST, Prof. Peter Wick). The project is planned for three years with the possibility of extension and will be carried out as a fully funded PhD thesis. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in biomaterials, chemistry, nanotechnology, or biomedical engineering, and possess experience in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization. Familiarity with cell culture, 3D models, and in vitro assays is required, while experience in phototherapy, programming, and large data analysis is advantageous. Fluency in English and excellent communication skills are essential. Empa fosters a culture of inclusion and respect, welcoming applicants interested in innovative, sustainable, and meaningful research. The desired starting date is May 1, 2026, or upon mutual agreement. Applications must be submitted online via the Empa job portal, including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas, and contact details of two referees. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered.

Empa is offering a PhD position in St. Gallen, Switzerland, on nanozyme-based coatings for antimicrobial implants . The project sits in the Nanomaterials in Health Lab , an interdisciplinary research environment focused on particle bio-functionalization, uptake, translocation across biological barriers, and biological responses. The research is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network Implant-to-Market (i2M) , which provides training across materials science, biology, medical devices, and regulatory science. The PhD will develop stimuli-responsive nanozyme coatings for personalized medical implants. Nanozymes are engineered nanomaterials that mimic natural enzyme activity and can generate reactive oxygen species locally in a controlled way. The work includes design and synthesis of nanozymes, development of reproducible implant coating strategies, and testing of antimicrobial performance against bacterial growth and biofilm formation. The project also investigates nano–bio interactions such as cytocompatibility, macrophage activation, cytokine production, and parameters related to osteointegration, as well as stability, ageing, and biodegradation in biologically relevant fluids. Applicants should hold a completed Master’s degree in biomaterials, chemistry, nanotechnology, or biomedical engineering. The post also looks for experience in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization, familiarity with cell culture and in vitro assays, and strong English communication skills. Experience in catalysis, programming, and large data analysis is considered a plus. The position is planned for 3 years and is carried out as a PhD thesis at Empa, with joint affiliation to ETH Zürich (D-HEST) . Supervision is provided by Dr. Giacomo Reina , with Prof. Peter Wick as the ETH Zürich contact. The starting date is by mutual agreement. Applications must be submitted online through the employer’s job portal, together with a motivation letter, CV, certificates, diplomas, and contact details for two referees.