Postdoctoral and PhD Positions in Neurotechnology: Drug/Biologics Carrier Formulation & Chemica[...]

ph3Postdoctoral and PhD Positions in Neurotechnology: Drug/Biologics Carrier Formulation Chemical Engineering for Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Brain Drug Delivery /h3pThe Neurotechnology Group of bProf. Mehmet Fatih Yanik /b at bETH Zurich /b is recruiting outstanding bpostdoctoral researchers and PhD students /b to join a newly funded bLOOP Zurich Flagship Project /b focused on advancing a breakthrough technology to clinic for non-invasive targeted drug delivery to the brain. /ppOur laboratory recently developed a novel bfocused ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery platform /b, published in Nature Communications( that enables localized, hyper-efficient delivery of therapeutic compounds to specific brain regions without invasive surgery. /ph3Project background /h3pWe develop advanced focused ultrasound technologies, bultrasound-responsive drug carrier formulations /b, and adaptive closed-loop control algorithms as an integrated precision drug delivery platform for the brain. Our approach employs a novel two-component ultrasound strategy that first concentrates drug carriers within the target region and subsequently triggers localized drug release, achieving high therapeutic concentrations exclusively at the desired site while minimizing systemic exposure. The chemical formulation and engineering of these carriers — including their drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics — are central to the platform’s performance. By integrating carrier formulation chemistry, chemical engineering, medical imaging, real-time sensing, and intelligent control into a unified system, this technology establishes a new paradigm for precision neurotherapeutics and opens new opportunities for treating epilepsy, brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and other neurological disorders. /ppThe long‑term goal of this project is to establish this technology as a clinically applicable therapeutic platform by advancing the chemical engineering of drug carrier formulations and integrating them with targeted ultrasound delivery, advanced neuroimaging, and closed‑loop control. /ppThe primary objective of this postdoctoral/PhD project is to badvance the chemical formulation and engineering of ultrasound-responsive drug carriers /b from proof‑of‑concept toward clinical translation. Successful candidates will develop and optimize carrier formulations, assess drug loading and release performance, characterize carrier stability and biocompatibility, and contribute to the preparation of first‑in‑human clinical studies /ppThe project is conducted in close collaboration with bSwiss Epilepsy Clinic Lengg /b, the bDepartment of Neurosurgery of the University Hospital Zurich /b, and the bVetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zurich /b. /ppThe successful candidate will play a central role in the chemical formulation, engineering, and characterization of drug carriers for our focused ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery platform. /ppDepending on experience and interests, the project may include: /pulliDesign and synthesis of ultrasound‑responsive drug carrier formulations (e.g., microbubbles, nanodroplets, liposomes, or polymeric/lipid nanoparticles) /liliOptimization of drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics /liliPhysicochemical characterization of carriers (size, zeta potential, stability, morphology) /liliChemical engineering of carrier production processes (e.g., microfluidics, emulsification, sonication) /liliAssessment of carrier stability under ultrasound exposure and physiological conditions /liliIn vitro and in vivo evaluation of drug loading, release, and therapeutic efficacy /liliAnalytical method development for carrier and drug quantification (e.g., HPLC, DLS) /liliIntegration of carrier formulations with focused ultrasound delivery systems /liliCollaboration with engineers and clinicians to prepare first‑in‑human clinical studies /liliContribution to regulatory‑compliant formulation development and quality control /li /ulpThis is a highly interdisciplinary project at the interface of chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and translational medicine. /ph3Profile /h3pWe are looking for highly motivated and creative researchers who enjoy solving challenging interdisciplinary problems. /ppApplicants for the PhD position should hold a Bachelor’s degree and preferably also a Master’s degree; applicants for the postdoctoral position should hold a PhD, in one of the following disciplines: /pulliChemical Engineering /liliPharmaceutical Sciences / Pharmaceutics /liliBiomedical Engineering /lilior a closely related field /li /ulpIdeal candidates have to possess several of the following: /pulliExcellent academic records from excellent institutions /liliStrong quantitative and analytical skills, incl. programming (Python, MATLAB, or similar) /liliExperimental laboratory experience in drug formulation, nanoparticle/microbubble synthesis, colloid chemistry, or related fields /liliHands‑on experience with carrier characterization techniques (e.g., dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, HPLC, electron microscopy) /liliKnowledge of drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics assessment /liliStrong motivation for translational drug delivery research and medical innovation /liliFor postdoctoral applicants, a track record of peer‑reviewed publications in drug delivery, nanomedicine, or pharmaceutical sciences /li /ulpGood communication skills, being able to work independently as well as being part of a multidisciplinary team are essential requirements. /ppAdditionally, the following qualifications are considered positively: /pulliAnimal experiment experience (e.g., in vivo drug delivery studies, small animal handling, surgical procedures, imaging, or pharmacokinetic/biodistribution assessment) /liliPrevious experience with focused ultrasound, drug delivery, or biomedical instrumentation /li /ulpBecause the project includes translational preclinical studies, candidates should be willing to participate in animal experiments. /ph3Workplace /h3h3We offer /h3pThe Neurotechnology Group at ETH Zurich provides one of Europe’s leading research environments for neurotechnology and drug delivery. /ppOur laboratory integrates, under one roof: /pulliChemical synthesis and drug formulation laboratories /liliHigh‑field 7 Tesla MRI /liliTwo‑photon and confocal microscopy /liliBrain‑machine interfaces /liliMechanical and electronic prototyping workshops /liliAccess to advanced microfabrication facilities /liliCell culture facilities /liliSmall‑and large‑animal research facilities /li /ulpStudents and postdoctoral researchers will collaborate closely with scientists and clinicians across ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, and the Swiss Epilepsy Clinic Lengg. /ppPhD candidates will be enrolled in the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (D‑ITET) at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroinformatics, and the Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ) PhD Program. Postdoctoral researchers will be affiliated with the Institute of Neuroinformatics. /ppIn 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 toward a climate‑neutral future . /ph3Curious? So are we. /h3pWe would like to point out that the pre‑selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence. /ppETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising inscience and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,cutting‑edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledgeinto society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find ouruniversity to be a place that promotes independent thinking and anenvironment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,yet forging connections all over the world, we work together todevelop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr