Postdoctoral Position: Biological and Molecular Systems on CMOS Sensing/Actuating Platforms

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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The Integrated Devices, Electronics, And Systems (IDEAS) Group led by Prof. Dr. Hua Wang at ETH Zurich invites applications for a postdoctoral position focusing on biological and molecular assays and bio-experiments for bioelectronics and biosensors using CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) integrated circuit (IC) chips.

The scope of this position combines molecular and electrochemical assays with cell biology on micro-/nano-electronic devices. The aim is to develop molecular assays (genomics and proteomics) and cellular assays and support experimental work across a range of CMOS bioelectronics and biosensors projects. Please note that this position is NOT for electronic circuits research.

Besides the research activities, the successful candidate will contribute to teaching the existing graduate-level class of -CMOS Electronics for Biological and Molecular Sensing- as well as mentoring PhD, master, and bachelor students.

Project background

Living cells such as neurons can be viewed as biological systems with complex, dynamic, and multi-functional behaviors through their billions of years of evolution. Interfacing with living cells using advanced micro-/nano-electronics enables new sensing and actuation opportunities but requires robust biological protocols and stable bioelectronic interfaces.

In parallel, biomolecules and their complexes can be probed and controlled using CMOS micro-/nano-electronics, enabling applications such as molecular sensing (DNAs/proteins), surface functionalization, electrochemical reactions, and molecular synthesis.

Our ETH IDEAS group has developed many generations of CMOS cellular/molecular platforms with dense arrays of electrodes and multi-modality active pixels for sensing and actuation. Some of these platforms focus on long-term culture and sensing of biological systems, including neurons, human stem-cell-derived cells, and animal-based cells. Others focus on molecular or chemical functionalities, including electrochemical measurements and on-chip molecular processes.

Across these diverse projects, a central requirement is bio-experimental expertise in both cellular and molecular/electrochemical workflows. This postdoctoral position supports research across these applications and contributes to the development and operation of CMOS bioelectronics and biosensors at ETH IDEAS group.

Job description

• You will work on the molecular and cellular assays and systems for CMOS bioelectronics and biosensor platforms. Please note that this position is NOT for CMOS electronic circuit research.

Research directions and responsibilities include:

• Long-term culture and maintenance of neurons and other cell-based assays on CMOS integrated circuit (IC) chips
• Work with human stem-cell-derived cells, animal-based cells, and other cellular systems for extended-time cell culture and interfacing experiments on CMOS
• Development and maintenance of stable and reproducible cell-microelectrode interfaces on CMOS
• Design and execution of molecular and electrochemical experiments on CMOS micro-/nano-electrode arrays, including surface functionalization and electrodeposition
• Implementation of molecular and chemical workflows on CMOS IC chips, including electrochemical reactions and molecular synthesis
• Biological and molecular characterization using microscopy, fluorescence-based assays, and electrochemical measurements
• Working closely with CMOS electronics researchers to support experimental design and platform operation
• Contribution to teaching activities, including lectures, exercises, or laboratory components related to cellular/molecular biology
• Presentation of results at internal meetings and international conferences
• Preparation of peer-reviewed publications
• The position offers scientific freedom to shape experimental workflows and contribute to multiple projects within a highly interdisciplinary research environment at ETH Zurich

Profile

• PhD degree or equivalent in cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, chemistry, electrochemistry, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or closely related disciplines
• Experience in long-term cell cultures in particular neuronal cultures
• Experience with cellular assays using human stem-cell-derived cells and/or animal-based cells
• Strong experimental background in molecular chemistry, electrochemistry, or related chemical systems
• Experience with bioelectronic platforms, microelectrode arrays, or Organ-on-Chip systems is an advantage
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research involving biological and molecular systems on CMOS bioelectronics and biosensors
• Strong interest in contributing to teaching and mentoring
• Excellent work ethics, scientific rigor, and ability to build collaborative team cultures
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Excellent organizational skills and high reliability
• Excellent track record in scientific work, communication, and publications
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are essential

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

• New research frontier with highly interdisciplinary nature at the interface of biology, molecular systems, and CMOS bioelectronics/biosensors
• A collaborative research environment within ETH Zurich and extended partnership with UZH, EPFL, EMPA, PSI, and industry in Switzerland
• Access to the state-of-the-art biological and chemical laboratories, equipment, and CMOS IC platforms
• Opportunities to gain teaching experience in an interdisciplinary graduate-level course
• Support benefits including professional networking and career development opportunities
• Regular seminars and symposia within the ETH Zurich research ecosystem
• A fully funded position for an initial period of 1-2 years, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and available funding

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We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining your motivation and experience
• Concise CV
• Diploma and certificates
• Five of your best publications

Further information about the IDEAS Group can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to ideas-jobs@iis.ee.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.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

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.