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.
At Empa's Laboratory for Biointerfaces and Center for X-ray Analytics, we develop and characterize advanced nanosystems for biomedical applications. Combining expertise in nanomaterials, colloid and analytical science, cellular biology and bioengineering, we investigate how nanoparticle structure and composition influence biological function. A particular focus lies on nucleic-acid delivery for next-generation therapeutics.
This PhD project aims to develop lipid-based nanoparticles for the controlled co-delivery of multiple genetic cargos to cancer cells, enabling new approaches for cancer treatment. A central challenge is to understand and control how different nucleic acids are co-encapsulated within a single nanoparticle and how their organization affects delivery performance in relevant in vitro 3D tissue models. The project combines nanoparticle formulation, colloidal self-assembly principles and advanced physicochemical characterization with cellular and molecular biology to establish quantitative structure–function relationships in relevant in vitro models, including 3D tissues.
PhD Position in Nanomedicine: Quantitative Design of Multi-Cargo Nanoparticles for Cancer Gene Delivery
Your tasks
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Combine colloidal self-assembly and nanomedicine concepts to design and formulate lipid-based nanoparticles for the controlled co-encapsulation and delivery of multiple nucleic acid cargos.
- Quantitatively characterize nanoparticle structure, cargo co-encapsulation, stability, and self-assembly using techniques such as fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering.
- Perform cell-based studies to investigate nanoparticle uptake, transfection, and biological performance in 2D cell culture and relevant in vitro 3D tissue models.
- Integrate physicochemical and biological data to identify design principles governing delivery efficiency.
- Collaborate closely with researchers from the Laboratory for Biointerfaces and the Center for X-ray Analytics.
- Present your work at international conferences and contribute to high-impact scientific publications.
Your profile
- Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
- Quantitative mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong interest in soft matter, self-assembly, nanomedicine, nanoparticles, or drug and gene delivery systems.
- Hands-on laboratory experience in nanoparticle formulation, physicochemical characterization, molecular or cellular biology, or a closely related experimental field is highly desirable.
- Experience with relevant molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid handling, cell culture, transfection, microscopy, or flow cytometry, is advantageous.
- Experience with advanced characterization techniques, such as scattering, spectroscopy, or related methods, is also advantageous.
- Programming and data analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, R, or similar are advantageous.
- Proficiency in English; German is a plus.
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
Our offer
We provide an international and stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure for personal and professional development. You will be employed full-time (three years, with the possibility of extension for one additional year) at Empa St. Gallen in two research groups (Bio–Nano Assembly and Cell-/Tissue Materials Interactions), which are part of the Laboratory for Biointerfaces and Center for X-ray Analytics. This dynamic environment within the ETH Domain offers state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and an ideal platform to advance your scientific career.
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.
