PhD Position in Microfluidics for Assembly of Synthetic Cells for Energy Production, Nutrient Metabolism and Molecular Transport

Establish microfluidic platforms for controlled fabrication of monodisperse synthetic vesicles with tunable membrane properties. Develop microfluidic strategies for membrane protein reconstitution into synthetic vesicle membranes. Work closely with both the Zurich and Bern groups, including microfluidics setup and preparation of fluorescently labelled membrane proteins. Perform super-resolution microscopy of membrane proteins in the synthetic vesicles.

The deMello Group in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences at ETH Zürich, a world-leading group for the development of novel microfluidic technologies, is looking for a motivated PhD student in cutting-edge research in microfluidics and synthetic biology. This interdisciplinary research is conducted in collaboration between ETH Zürich (Dr. Stavrakis) and the University of Bern (Prof. von Ballmoos). The project is highly interdisciplinary, fostering close collaboration with biochemists and biophysicists, to accelerate the design and fabrication of programmable living systems.

• The successful candidate should hold an MSc degree in chemistry, biophysics, chemical or bio-engineering with first class grades

• Basic experience in microfabrication and microfluidics, biophysics, cell biology will be beneficial

• Fluent communication skills (written and presentation) in English are essential

• The PhD candidate will join an excellent and highly ambitious teams at the forefront of research in the areas of microfluidics and synthetic biology