PhD position in Cell Mechanobiology

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Mechanobiology of Cells and Tissues team is recruiting a full-time (100%) doctoral candidate, to work on the role of the glycocalyx in cell mechanotransduction. Our team works on (i) advancing our understanding of mechanotransduction in 3D, (ii) designing hydrogel-based 3D scaffolds with tunable properties, and (iii) using these to design 3D disease models and drug screening platforms, with a focus on skin tissue models, including fibrosis.

We are embedded within the Tibbitt group, in the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory .

Project background

The glycocalyx is a dense ’sugar-coat’, a complex layer of glycopolymers that are tethered and/or shed from the cell surface. The glycocalyx is thought to play a role in cell adhesion, inflammation, and cancer, but how it directly interacts with mechanotransduction pathways is not known. The project goals are to determine if and how different conformations of the glycocalyx directly modulate cell mechanotransduction. Because of the dependence of glycocalyx synthesis on metabolic pathways, another goal is to test how metabolic switches could indirectly change cell mechanosensitivity by altering the glycocalyx. Such indirect regulation could have impact on diseases with inflammatory and metabolic components.

Job description

As a PhD candidate, you will:

o perform biological and physical characterization of the glycopolymers in different cell types and in tissue samples
o design and implement molecular / genetic interventions to modify the glycocalyx
o perform mechanical stimulation on cells to stimulate mechanotransduction pathways
o propose and implement methods to control cellular metabolic states
o present your work in form of poster, presentations to the scientific community

In addition, you are expected to contribute to lab duties, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to teaching activities within the group.

The position is funded for 4 years, at 100% employment. The project will be supervised by Dr. Céline Labouesse. The position is subjected to admission to the doctoral program at D-MAVT.

Profile

We are looking for :

• a curious and resourceful individual, with a pronounced taste for interdisciplinary science, experimental work, and a motivation to answer mechanistic questions in mechanobiology
• academic excellence, a professional work attitude, and a proactive and self-driven work ethic are expected
• the candidate must be able to fluently communicate in English (oral and written) and be willing to work in a highly interactive, international team
• candidates must hold a MSc degree in Molecular Sciences, Life sciences, Bioengineering, or related fields
• solid knowledge of cell biology and mechanobiology is required, and additionally, relevant lab experience of at least 6 months is preferred

In addition, applicants should be familiar with at least 2 of the following techniques:

• cell culture
• tissue histology, immunostaining
• high resolution imaging (fluorescence / electron microscopy)
• gene and protein expression assays
• size exclusion chromatography
• mechanical stimulation of cells

Workplace

We offer

We are embedded within the Tibbitt group, in the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich. The lab is composed of a highly interdisciplinary and international team of motivated researchers, working on engineering and applying advanced polymeric materials for a range of biomedical and industrial uses.

In this context, we offer:

• an interdisciplinary research environment
• a supportive and collaborative work environment
• flexibility in terms of experimental planning and working times
• a motivating and engaged research lab
• freedom and support to explore independent ideas

The position is hosted in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) of ETH Zurich, in the Zentrum Campus in Zurich, Switzerland. D-MAVT is an interdisciplinary department with focus areas in process/chemical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering as well as robotics and controls. ETH Zurich is a global leader in science and engineering and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. Zurich is an international city with broad access to outdoor activities, arts and culture, and other European cities, as well as a rich and excellent scientific community.

We value diversity and sustainability

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application, before April 30th 2026, with the following information as a single PDF:

• a statement of interest laying out your motivation for this position and your main scientific achievements to date (max. 2 pages)
• CV
• diplomas and course transcripts
• the contact details of two or more references

Further information about the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory can be found on our website . For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Labouesse (clabouesse@ ethz.ch (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed within 3-4 weeks of reception. Online interviews will be scheduled in May 2026. We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiter and not by artificial intelligence.

Expected start date: August or September 2026.

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.