At Empa's Laboratory for Biointerfaces and Center for X-ray Analytics, advanced nanosystems are developed and characterized for biomedical applications. The focus is on nucleic-acid delivery for next-generation therapeutics, investigating how nanoparticle structure and composition influence biological function. This PhD project aims to develop lipid-based nanoparticles for controlled co-delivery of multiple genetic cargos to cancer cells, enabling new approaches for cancer treatment.
Tasks
- Combine colloidal self-assembly and nanomedicine concepts to design and formulate lipid-based nanoparticles for 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 work at international conferences and contribute to high-impact scientific publications.
Requirements
- 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.
Benefits
- International and stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure for personal and professional development.
- Full-time employment for 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).
- State-of-the-art facilities and expert mentorship within the ETH Domain.
- Dynamic environment offering an ideal platform to advance your scientific career.
- Culture of inclusion and respect.
- International, multicultural working environment.
- Freedom to create and develop.
- Excellent balance between different areas of life.
- Multiple award-winning and certified employer.
- Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.
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Über uns
Das Team
You will work in two research groups (Bio–Nano Assembly and Cell-/Tissue Materials Interactions) within the Laboratory for Biointerfaces and Center for X-ray Analytics, collaborating closely with researchers in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment.