ETH Zurich

PhD Position in Toxicology 100%, Zurich, fixed-term print Drucken The Laboratory of Toxicology is looking for a PhD student in Toxicology with a focus on elucidating the role of chemical bioactivation via gut microbial biotransformation for human health. Our Laboratory is part of the ETH Department of Health Sciences & Technology. We strive to understand biochemical and cellular mechanisms governing bioactive properties of chemicals, in order to promote human health and chemical and drug safety. Researchers develop and apply quantitative chemical, in vitro, and computational approaches to address problems in Toxicology. More information about the research group can be found at the Laboratory of Toxicology Project background An opportunity is available that will focus on elucidating the role of the gut microbiome as a site of chemical biotransformation and impacts on host responses. The work will involve aspects of microbiology, chemical bioanalysis, bioinformatics, and in vitro toxicology to advance animal-free next generation hazard assessment. Job description A focus of this PhD position will be on quantifying microbial biotransformation products and evaluating their potential human toxicological effects. Correspondingly, it combines wet lab and computational analysis. The successful candidate will be co-mentored by Dr. Georg Aichinger, who leads the group in predictive toxicokinetics, and Prof. Shana Sturla, the head of laboratory. Profile A successful applicant will have, or expect to obtain before starting, an MSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food Science, Microbiology, or a closely related discipline. Good written and oral communication skills in English are needed. The individual should have a self-dependent mindset, good leadership qualities, and a strong foundation of practical relevant laboratory experience. Bioinformatics skills are beneficial, but can be expanded during the PhD. Students who excel in microbial metabolism research, quantitative aspects of toxicology, or related topics are particularly encouraged to apply. Workplace Workplace We offer Fully funded PhD within a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative research community that values innovation. Extensive training in toxicological and interdisciplinary research with latest methodologies. Dedicated supervision and mentorship for academic and professional growth throughout your doctoral journey. Opportunities to develop projects aligned with your interests and build leadership skills, such as by mentoring student researchers. Opportunities to attend conferences and enhance skills to prepare you for your future career. chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainability In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future. Curious? So are we. We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents: a cover letter that describes research experience, and scientific and professional/career goals, and indicates an ideal starting date for the applicant. academic transcripts/list of courses completed or ongoing, including grades/notes. the CV including contact information for 3 referees. Do not include letters of recommendation with the application-these may be requested later. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. The project start date is as soon as possible and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Further information about the ETH Laboratory of Toxicology can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Georg Aichinger, georg.aichingerhest.ethz.ch (no applications). We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence. About ETH Zürich ETH Zurich is one of the world-s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Two PhD positions in Biophysics and rheology of bacterial biofilms 100%, Zurich, fixed-term print Drucken The bioMatter Microfluidics Group of Dr Eleonora Secchi at ETH Zurich is seeking two PhD candidates. Our research focuses on uncovering the physicochemical mechanisms that control microbial surface colonisation and biofilm assembly, structure, and rheology. We use a broad spectrum of technologies in materials science, microbiology, and microfluidics, as well as advanced imaging techniques to address our questions. We are a highly interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative team of about 10 members, hosted within the chair of Prof. Roman Stocker in the Institute of Environmental Engineering. Project background The two PhD positions are part of a recently funded SNSF project aimed at systematically investigating nonlinear biofilm rheology, with emphasis on the role of extracellular DNA (eDNA). Biofilms are a ubiquitous form of microbial life with important implications in medicine, industry, and the environment. They are responsible for persistent infections, antibiotic resistance and biofouling, leading to economic costs of billions of dollars annually and thousands of deaths. Biofilms are microbial communities encased in a polymeric matrix that provides mechanical stability and protection from mechanical stresses through its viscoelastic properties. While the linear viscoelastic response under small deformations is well characterised and recognised as a virulence factor, the response to large deformations remains poorly understood. In particular, there is a lack of systematic investigation of the nonlinear regime, where externally applied loads can induce stress-hardening and stiffening of the biofilm matrix. Recent findings from our group suggest that eDNA may play a central role in the stress-hardening of biofilms. We hypothesise that this behaviour arises from the entropic elasticity of the eDNA network, a mechanism well described in polymer physics but largely unexplored in living biofilms. This could enable both short- and long-term adaptation to flow fluctuations. While initial experiments are consistent with this hypothesis, further investigation is required to validate the underlying molecular mechanisms and to determine whether stress-hardening is specific to streamers or constitutes a broader feature of biofilm mechanical adaptation across different morphologies. This project will test these hypotheses through a combination of structural, biochemical, and rheological analyses of the biofilms and mathematical modelling, with the potential to reveal fundamental principles of biofilm resilience. Job description Experimentally investigate nonlinear rheology and stress-hardening in bacterial biofilms with different morphologies using custom microfluidic and rheometry platforms. Quantify the role of eDNA and its interactions with biofilm matrix components using mutant libraries, enzymatic/antibody assays, and controlled physicochemical conditions; assess incorporation of exogenous DNA into biofilms and its impact on morphology and mechanics. Develop and apply advanced fluorescence/confocal imaging approaches to resolve biofilm network structure and eDNA conformation in situ. Contribute to the development of a numerical predictive model of biofilm mechanics. Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team and with external partners; communicate results through publications and presentations. The tasks include wet-lab experimentation, project management, numerical modeling and teaching duties. Position details: Start date: February 1st, 2026, or by agreement Fully funded PhD position (approximately 4 years). Final admission to the doctoral programme follows a successful Aptitude Colloquium at the end of year 1; contracts are extended annually. Profile The ideal candidate holds a Master-s degree in: physics, biophysics, materials science, microbiology or a related field with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface between soft-matter physics and microbiology Experience in experimental work such as microfluidics, rheology, microscopy, or culturing microbes and familiarity with data analysis and quantitative modelling is highly valued The candidate should be motivated to work both independently and collaboratively within an international research environment and to contribute actively to teaching activities Workplace Workplace We offer Training opportunities Perspectives for career development Support programmes (e.g. mentoring) and networks Your (team) culture and team composition Working environment and employment conditions Your commitment to diversity (e.g. flexible working hours, possibility for part-time work, home office) chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainability In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future. Curious? So are we. We look forward to receiving your online application by November 30th, 2025 , including the following documents: Curriculum vitae Cover letter (including motivation, research interests and possible start date) Full transcript from undergraduate studies (both Bachelor and Masters) Copy of Master-s or Bachelor-s thesis (PDF) At least two reference letters Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please note that we only accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications sent by email or post will not be considered. For questions regarding the position (but not for submitting applications), please contact Dr Eleonora Secchi (esecchi@ethz.ch). About ETH Zürich ETH Zurich is one of the world-s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.