Postdoc position in Development of in vitro skin model including sensory perception

Postdoc position in Development of in vitro skin model including sensory perception

For a collaboration project between the Bio Engineering Laboratory (Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering of ETH Zurich in Basel) and Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland, we are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoc. You will have a unique opportunity to collaborate across scientific and organizational boundaries with a focus on developing powerful advanced skin models to study barrier function and itching that have the potential of therapeutic breakthroughs for patients.

Project background

Leveraging cutting-edge advanced cellular models, and bioengineering and microfluidic approaches, the project is aimed at developing skin models that include sensory perception for understanding immunological skin diseases and for applications in drug discovery. Current ex vivo skin models, although widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic research, fall short of assessing - in real-time - itch-inducing and barrier-compromising conditions. Emerging models, based on primary keratinocytes and induced-pluripotent-stem-cell (iPSC), can better replicate physiological and disease conditions. However, such models need to be adapted for pharmaceutical research and target identification.

Job description

• In this collaborative effort, you will devise an in vitro 3D human skin model to investigate barrier function under homeostatic conditions and in response to inflammatory stimuli
• By combining state-of-the-art engineering and microfluidic approaches with new cellular models, you will develop new skin models that include sensory perception and will find applications in fundamental science and drug testing
• You will have a dual role in setting up and culturing the 3D skin models and optimizing sensor technology (e.g. TEER and TEWL) to enable a robust assessment of skin barrier functionality
• In addition, itch perception will be studied by the integration of iPSC-derived sensory neurons

Profile

The position is fully funded for initially 2 years, an extension to up to 4 years is possible. The starting date is flexible but must be before 06-2026.

We offer

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 by February 15th 2026.

A complete application package includes

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications submitted via e-mail or postal services or incomplete application packages will not be considered.

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.