We are seeking a motivated and curious PhD candidate to join our research team and contribute to the development of next-generation optical nanosensors for rapid clinical infection diagnostics, starting immediately or by mutual agreement. The project lies at the interface of nanotechnology, optical biosensing, microbiology, and translational biomedical research and is located at the Ingenuity Lab (Balgrist University Hospital / ETH Zurich) led by Prof. Inge Herrmann.
Accurate and timely detection of bacterial infections is central to effective patient care, from routine clinical diagnostics to the management of implant-associated infections in orthopedics. Despite major clinical relevance, current workflows remain slow due to multiple cultivation and analysis steps, delaying targeted antimicrobial therapy. This project aims to address these challenges by developing a multiplexed nanosensors based on near-infrared fluorescent nano-materials such as single walled carbon nanotubes, aimed to enable faster and more sensitive diagnostic readouts.

Project background
The project aims to address current limitations in diagnosing infections like periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) by developing a versatile nanosensor platform for rapid and accurate pathogen detection. By enabling real-time pathogen sensing, the platform seeks to reduce the delays associated with conventional culture-based diagnostic workflows. Through the integration of advanced nanosensing strategies, this research has the potential to significantly improve diagnostic precision, accelerate clinical decision-making, and contribute to the development of next-generation infection diagnostics.

PhD Position in Advanced Nanosensor Infection Diagnostics (w/m/d) 100 %
Research

Your tasks

• Synthesizing and engineering optical nanosensors
• Integrating sensors into a diagnostic platform
• Testing sensor performance with clinical samples
• Comparing platform performance against existing diagnostic workflows

You will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment, collaborating closely with researchers in nanotechnology, microbiology, infectiology, and biomedical engineering.

Your profile

• MSc degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, chemical biology, or related fields
• Experience in microbiological work (optimal)
• Experience in data analysis or nanoparticle synthesis (advantageous)
• Strong motivation, good communication skills, and interest in translational diagnostics
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team

Our offer

• A dynamic and international research environment between Balgrist University Hospital (University of Zurich) and ETH Zurich
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities for nanomaterials, chemistry, microbiology, and optical sensing
• Close collaboration with clinical partners
• Enrollment in the University of Zurich or ETH Zurich doctoral program and excellent working conditions

Next steps

Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• University transcripts
• Names and contact details of two references

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 the Ingenuity Lab can be found on our https://ingenuitylabz.com/. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Robert Nißler (Robert.Nissler@balgrist.ch).