2 PhD Positions in Designing and Optimizing Materials for Bacterial-Based Sustainable Biopesticide Delivery Systems

Job description

The bioMatter Microfluidics (Dr. Eleonora Secchi, D-BAUG) and SoftMat Group (Prof. Jan Vermant, D-MATL) at ETH Zurich will host two collaborative PhD projects focused on :

• Developing energy-efficient, scalable methods for creating particle-stabilized multiphase materials as bacterial delivery systems. By utilizing advective assembler techniques and adapting vacuum foaming methods, the project seeks to control particle accumulation at interfaces in emulsions and foams. This approach will enhance the robustness and efficiency of bacterial carriers, ensuring precise control over droplet and bubble sizes. Expected outcomes include robust bacterial carrier emulsions and particle-stabilized foams, with efficient bacterial incorporation in both systems. The project will be conducted mainly in the SoftMat Group under the supervision of Prof. Jan Vermant.
• Developing polymeric sprayable gels that mimic the mechanical and adhesive properties of biofilm matrices, protecting bacterial cells from desiccation while allowing nutrient and gas exchange. The biofilms formed by the bacteria of interest will serve as an inspiration for the sprayable gel and will be characterized at the bulk and microscale using a combination of bulk rheology and microfluidics. Their material properties will then be replicated by the synthesized artificial hydrogels, specifically designed to support cell viability and foster the production of biopesticides. Additionally, microfluidics will be used to assess the hydrogels’ protective function during the spraying process. The project will be conducted mainly in the bioMatter Microfluidics Group under the supervision of Dr. Eleonora Secchi.

Profile

Ideal candidates hold an MSc degree in physics, (Chemical or materials) engineering, material science, or a related discipline and have a background in soft matter, physical chemistry, chemical or material engineering, or related fields. Experience in microbiology or biophysics is beneficial. Additionally, they are fluent in English (oral and written). They show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and strive for scientific excellence.

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