PhD Position in Advanced Nanosensor Infection Diagnostics (w / m / d) 100 %

We are seeking a motivated and curious PhD candidate to join our research team and contribute to the development of next-generation optical nanosensors for rapid clinical infection diagnostics. The project lies at the interface of nanotechnology, optical biosensing, microbiology, and translational biomedical research and is located at the Ingenuity Lab (Balgrist University Hospital / ETH Zurich) led by Prof. Inge Herrmann.

Accurate and timely detection of bacterial infections is central to effective patient care, from routine clinical diagnostics to the management of implant-associated infections in orthopedics. Despite major clinical relevance, current workflows remain slow due to multiple cultivation and analysis steps, delaying targeted antimicrobial therapy. This project aims to address these challenges by developing a multiplexed nanosensors based on near-infrared fluorescent nano-materials such as single walled carbon nanotubes, aimed to enable faster and more sensitive diagnostic readouts.

Project background

The project aims to address current limitations in diagnosing infections like periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) by developing a versatile nanosensor platform for rapid and accurate pathogen detection. By enabling real-time pathogen sensing, the platform seeks to reduce the delays associated with conventional culture-based diagnostic workflows. Through the integration of advanced nanosensing strategies, this research has the potential to significantly improve diagnostic precision, accelerate clinical decision-making, and contribute to the development of next-generation infection diagnostics.

Your tasks

• Synthesizing and engineering optical nanosensors
• Integrating sensors into a diagnostic platform
• Testing sensor performance with clinical samples
• Comparing platform performance against existing diagnostic workflows

You will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment, collaborating closely with researchers in nanotechnology, microbiology, infectiology, and biomedical engineering.

Your profile

Our offer

Next steps

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents :

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 the Ingenuity Lab can be found on our . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Robert Nißler (Robert.Nissler@balgrist.ch).

The Balgrist as an Employer

The Balgrist offers its skilled and motivated specialist employees an innovative environment with a practical orientation. Trainees benefit from a broad range of training and intern positions, and from high-quality instruction. We form part of Zurich’s university medicine network, which also includes the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich and the other university hospitals in Zurich. That’s how we keep our finger on the pulse of the medicine of the future.

Your rewards

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