EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) PhD Position: Bioprinting next generation functional tissues 100%, Zurich, fixed-term

EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) PhD Position: Bioprinting next generation functional tissues

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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The field of tissue engineering and bioprinting is continually advancing to develop functional tissue models that more
accurately mimic native tissue organization. Bioprinting holds transformative potential for enhancing the functionality
of tissues in regenerative medicine.

At the Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication Laboratory (led by Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong), we leverage bioprinting to
engineer tissues that address critical clinical challenges. Our lab has pioneered innovative light-based 3D printing
techniques, enabling precise control over topological cell guidance cues and multi-scale directional porosity. The
laboratory is embedded in ETH Zurich’s Department of Health Sciences & Technology (D-HEST). D-HEST is a stimulating
environment for interdisciplinary research and education with a focus on health science solutions for important
societal challenges. The Zenobi-Wong Laboratory is a part of the Institute for Biomechanics, which has a strong focus
on musculoskeletal biomechanics and mechanobiology across all scales.

Project background

This project is part of the EU-funded Print4Life, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) doctoral network led by Prof.
Cecilia Persson, Uppsala University. This network has 8 doctoral candidate host institutions: Uppsala University,
Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Dublin City University, Universidade do Minho, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon Gmbh,
Hydrumedical SA, Brinter AM Technologues oy, ETH Zürich; and 6 additional partners: FHNW, PBC Ltd, XapHe, Quintus
Technologies AB, CAU ZU Kiel and Region Uppsala (Uppsala University Hospital). The network aims to provide Advanced
Research Training for Additive Manufacturing of the Biomaterials and Tissues of the Future. You will be one of 17
doctoral students across the entire network.

Part of the research will be conducted in collaboration with other doctoral students, other academic institutions, and
industry. The study period is planned to include short research stays at the Finnish company Brinter and Uppsala
University. The main supervisor will be Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong (ETH Zürich), and co-supervisors Dr. Marcin Kotlarz
(ETH Zürich), Prof. Paul Callaghan (Uppsala University), Dr. Maurizio Gullo (University of Applied Sciences
Northwestern Switzerland) and Dhayakumar Rajan Prakash (Brinter).

Job description

In this project, the focus will be on development of functional tissues and tissue models by merging high-resolution
3D bioprinting with in situ perfusion systems, enabling direct graft maturation in the printing environment. Your work
will bridge biopolymer innovation and microfluidics to overcome perfusion limitations in thick tissues.

Project Goal 1: Define and produce a printable hydrogel system to produce high resolution scaffolds with cell guidance
properties;
Goal 2: Design a microfluidic system and monitoring system of the tissues viability; and
Goal 3: Test the tissue functionality in response to inflammatory stimulus and/or therapeutic drugs

Profile

You hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field and are passionate about developing
next-generation functional tissues for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.

Desired Skills & Competencies:

- Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics and ability to design mechanical and microfluidic components
- Strong expertise in cell culture and molecular biology techniques
- Experience in the synthesis, characterization, and application of bioprinting materials
- Proficiency in biological evaluation of tissue constructs (e.g., RT-PCR, histology)
- Highly motivated to engage in a multidisciplinary European research network
- Excellent communication skills (written & oral), with a strong collaborative spirit and project management experience

Duties

The main duty for a doctoral student is to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in
research projects and PhD courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more
than 20%). Being a PhD student means independently running projects within a specific subject. You collaborate on an
ongoing basis with other doctoral students and researchers to create results within various projects and have one or
more supervisors for support during your doctoral studies.

To be eligible as a MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) doctoral candidate, you must not have a doctoral degree at
the date of recruitment, be enrolled in a doctoral program, and comply with a mobility rule requiring you to not have
resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host country (Switzerland) for more than 12
months in the 36 months prior to recruitment (i.e. this includes online activities).

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

- Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also
actively contributes to positive change in society
- We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
- You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports
offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
- An open and collaborative research environment
- Access to and training in cutting-edge methodologies and instrumentation
- Possibilities to develop entrepreneural skills and training
- PhD student salaries are according to standard fix-salary rates

chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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:

- A motivation letter describing how your background fits the profile, your scientific interests and scientific
achievements to date (max. 2 pages)
- CV and Transcripts from MSc and BS degrees
- Contact information of 3 references

Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2025.

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 our laboratory can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be
directed to Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong, email marcy.zenobi@hest.ethz.ch (no applications).

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.

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.