Postdoc position in Development microfluidic platform diagnosis of sepsis

We are developing so‑called lab‑on‑chip technology (or microfluidic technology) for applications across the life sciences and biomedicine. Our interdisciplinary approach includes the design and manufacturing of miniaturised platforms and their optimisation for biochemical assays and analytical procedures.

For a third‑party funded project, running for four years, we are offering a PhD position and a position for a postdoctoral fellow.

The project Radiant Dx is a multidisciplinary, collaborative project that addresses the diagnosis of sepsis. Sepsis is a severe health condition, where patients typically suffer from unspecific symptoms like high fever. To support doctors in the decision how to treat the patient, we will develop a miniaturised system for rapid diagnosis of sepsis, which prevents unnecessary administration of antibiotic compounds and leads to improved survival and recovery of the patients.

Together with researchers from the Institute of Medical Microbiology at the University of Zurich, the Department of Informatics at ETHZ and several further partners, we address the challenge by the combining microfluidic technology, sequencing and fast data analysis.

In the Bioanalytics Group, a PhD student and a postdoctoral fellow will work together on different aspects of the microfluidic platform and sample preparation.

The postdoctoral fellow will work together with a PhD student on the following tasks:

• Design and manufacture a microfluidic platform
• Develop, optimise and test biological assays
• Perform imaging, data analysis and interpretation
• Prepare platform for use in clinical setting
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals
• Participate actively in meetings of the group
• Write reports and present results in meetings of the research consortium
• Coordinate the work with partners of the research consortium

• PhD degree in fields related to microfluidics and microsystems engineering, biomedical engineering or interdisciplinary study programmes.
• Candidates with background in biology, bioengineering, biotechnology or microbiology with experiences in method and technology development are welcome to apply as well.
• The combination of biological and technological aspects is central in our group and in this project. A possible candidate should have a strong disposition to learn and improve novel methods, should be very open to different research disciplines and should be able to communicate across disciplines.
• Good communication (in English) and teamwork skills

We offer to the successful candidate:

• An intellectually challenging position in the inspiring atmosphere of an interdisciplinary team
• Multifaceted, applied work in a larger team with computer scientists and clinicians/microbiologists
• From bench to bedside: develop technology and methods close to the need of patients
• Development of personal skills including writing, presentation and project management
• Possibility to work with and supervise students
• Participation at international conferences

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich