PhD position on Subtyping dementia at the nanoscale

11 March 2026
100%
Permanent position
English (Fluent)
Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf

About the job

PhD position on Subtyping dementia at the nanoscale

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

Our group of Biosensing and Functional Surfaces focuses on the studying the role of protein aggregation in dementia progression using nanoscale analytics. To this end, we will combine high resolution scanning probe microscopy with fluorescence imaging to study amyloid and tau proteins in biofluids from patients to identify those at risk of developing a specific subtype of dementia.

Your tasks

This interdisciplinary PhD project combines atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, chemical spectroscopy, biophysics and data analytics. The PhD student will be required to conduct experiments in the field of biophysics using nanoscale imaging techniques (atomic force microscopy) and chemical spectroscopy (fluorescence imaging and infrared spectroscopy) based analytics of proteins implicated in dementia and related pathologies. The results from these studies will be prepared as manuscripts and submitted to peer reviewed journals for publication. As part of the PhD research project the student will be required to attend conferences to present the scientific results.

Your profile

For this project we seek a highly motivated candidate with a background in biophysics and keen interest for bio-imaging.

Completed Master`s degree in molecular/structural biology or biophysics.

An outstanding academic record.

Previous experience in protein imaging using atomic force microscopy or fluorescence microscopy is required.

Excellent communication and English language skills.

Our offer

This project is supported by Empa and will be conducted at Empa Dubendorf in collaboration with clinicians at Inselspital Bern. The successful candidate will participate in scientific collaborations within Empa and work in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

Patricia Nitzsche,
Stv. Leiterin Human Resources / Dep. Head Human Resources