100%, Zurich, fixed-term
Key information
- Publication date:08 October 2025
- Workload:100%
- Place of work:Zurich
EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) PhD Position: Bioprinting next generation functional tissues100%, Zurich, fixed-termThe field of tissue engineering and bioprinting is continually advancing to develop functional tissue models that more accurately mimic native tissue organization. Bioprinting holds transformative potential for enhancing the functionality of tissues in regenerative medicine.At the Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication Laboratory (led by Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong), we leverage bioprinting to engineer tissues that address critical clinical challenges. Our lab has pioneered innovative light-based 3D printing techniques, enabling precise control over topological cell guidance cues and multi-scale directional porosity. The laboratory is embedded in ETH Zurich’s Department of Health Sciences & Technology (D-HEST). D-HEST is a stimulating environment for interdisciplinary research and education with a focus on health science solutions for important societal challenges. The Zenobi-Wong Laboratory is a part of the Institute for Biomechanics, which has a strong focus on musculoskeletal biomechanics and mechanobiology across all scales.Project backgroundThis project is part of the EU-funded Print4Life, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) doctoral network led by Prof. Cecilia Persson, Uppsala University. This network has 8 doctoral candidate host institutions: Uppsala University, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Dublin City University, Universidade do Minho, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon Gmbh, Hydrumedical SA, Brinter AM Technologues oy, ETH Zürich; and 6 additional partners: FHNW, PBC Ltd, XapHe, Quintus Technologies AB, CAU ZU Kiel and Region Uppsala (Uppsala University Hospital). The network aims to provide Advanced Research Training for Additive Manufacturing of the Biomaterials and Tissues of the Future. You will be one of 17 doctoral students across the entire network.Part of the research will be conducted in collaboration with other doctoral students, other academic institutions, and industry. The study period is planned to include short research stays at the Finnish company Brinter and Uppsala University. The main supervisor will be Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong (ETH Zürich), and co-supervisors Dr. Marcin Kotlarz (ETH Zürich), Prof. Paul Callaghan (Uppsala University), Dr. Maurizio Gullo (University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland) and Dhayakumar Rajan Prakash (Brinter).Job descriptionIn this project, the focus will be on development of functional tissues and tissue models by merging high-resolution 3D bioprinting with in situ perfusion systems, enabling direct graft maturation in the printing environment. Your work will bridge biopolymer innovation and microfluidics to overcome perfusion limitations in thick tissues.Project Goal 1: Define and produce a printable hydrogel system to produce high resolution scaffolds with cell guidance properties;Goal 2: Design a microfluidic system and monitoring system of the tissues viability; andGoal 3: Test the tissue functionality in response to inflammatory stimulus and/or therapeutic drugsProfileYou hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field and are passionate about developing next-generation functional tissues for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.Desired Skills & Competencies:Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics and ability to design mechanical and microfluidic componentsStrong expertise in cell culture and molecular biology techniquesExperience in the synthesis, characterization, and application of bioprinting materialsProficiency in biological evaluation of tissue constructs (e.g., RT-PCR, histology)Highly motivated to engage in a multidisciplinary European research networkExcellent communication skills (written & oral), with a strong collaborative spirit and project management experienceDutiesThe main duty for a doctoral student is to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and PhD courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). Being a PhD student means independently running projects within a specific subject. You collaborate on an ongoing basis with other doctoral students and researchers to create results within various projects and have one or more supervisors for support during your doctoral studies.To be eligible as a MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) doctoral candidate, you must not have a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment, be enrolled in a doctoral program, and comply with a mobility rule requiring you to not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host country (Switzerland) for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment (i.e. this includes online activities).WorkplaceWorkplaceWe offerYour career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in societyWe are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefitsAn open and collaborative research environmentAccess to and training in cutting-edge methodologies and instrumentationPossibilities to develop entrepreneural skills and trainingPhD student salaries are according to standard fix-salary ratesWe value diversity and sustainabilityCurious? So are we.We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:A motivation letter describing how your background fits the profile, your scientific interests and scientific achievements to date (max. 2 pages)CV and Transcripts from MSc and BS degreesContact information of 3 referencesApplications will be accepted until December 31, 2025.Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.Further information about our laboratory can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong, email E-Mail schreiben (no applications).About ETH ZürichCurious? So are we.We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:A motivation letter describing how your background fits the profile, your scientific interests and scientific achievements to date (max. 2 pages)CV and Transcripts from MSc and BS degreesContact information of 3 referencesApplications will be accepted until December 31, 2025.Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.Further information about our laboratory can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong, email E-Mail schreiben (no applications)
