The Neurotechnology Group of Prof. Mehmet Fatih Yanik at ETH Zurich is recruiting outstanding postdoctoral researchers and PhD students to join a newly funded LOOP Zurich Flagship Project focused on advancing a breakthrough technology to clinic for non-invasive targeted drug delivery to the brain.

Our laboratory recently developed a novel focused ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery platform, published in Nature Communications (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-18059-7), that enables localized, hyper-efficient delivery of therapeutic compounds to specific brain regions without invasive surgery.

We develop advanced focused ultrasound technologies, ultrasound-responsive drug carrier formulations, 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.

The 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.

The primary objective of this postdoctoral/PhD project is to advance the chemical formulation and engineering of ultrasound-responsive drug carriers 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

The project is conducted in close collaboration with Swiss Epilepsy Clinic Lengg, the Department of Neurosurgery of the University Hospital Zurich, and the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zurich.

The 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.

Depending on experience and interests, the project may include:

• Design and synthesis of ultrasound-responsive drug carrier formulations (e.g., microbubbles, nanodroplets, liposomes, or polymeric/lipid nanoparticles)
• Optimization of drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics
• Physicochemical characterization of carriers (size, zeta potential, stability, morphology)
• Chemical engineering of carrier production processes (e.g., microfluidics, emulsification, sonication)
• Assessment of carrier stability under ultrasound exposure and physiological conditions
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of drug loading, release, and therapeutic efficacy
• Analytical method development for carrier and drug quantification (e.g., HPLC, DLS)
• Integration of carrier formulations with focused ultrasound delivery systems
• Collaboration with engineers and clinicians to prepare first-in-human clinical studies
• Contribution to regulatory-compliant formulation development and quality control

This is a highly interdisciplinary project at the interface of chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and translational medicine.

We are looking for highly motivated and creative researchers who enjoy solving challenging interdisciplinary problems.

Applicants 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:

• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Sciences / Pharmaceutics
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• or a closely related field

Ideal candidates have to possess several of the following:

• Excellent academic records from excellent institutions
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, incl. programming (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• Experimental laboratory experience in drug formulation, nanoparticle/microbubble synthesis, colloid chemistry, or related fields
• Hands-on experience with carrier characterization techniques (e.g., dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, HPLC, electron microscopy)
• Microfluidic synthesis/purification expertise
• Knowledge of drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics assessment
• Strong motivation for translational drug delivery research and medical innovation
• For postdoctoral applicants, a track record of peer-reviewed publications in drug delivery, nanomedicine, or pharmaceutical sciences

Good communication skills, being able to work independently as well as being part of a multidisciplinary team are essential requirements.

Additionally, the following qualifications are considered positively:

• Animal experiment experience (e.g., in vivo drug delivery studies, small animal handling, surgical procedures, imaging, or pharmacokinetic/biodistribution assessment)
• Previous experience with focused ultrasound, drug delivery, or biomedical instrumentation

Because the project includes translational preclinical studies, candidates should be willing to participate in animal experiments.

The Neurotechnology Group at ETH Zurich provides one of Europe’s leading research environments for neurotechnology and drug delivery.

Our laboratory integrates, under one roof:

• Chemical synthesis and drug formulation laboratories
• High-field 7 Tesla MRI
• Two-photon and confocal microscopy
• State-of-the-art electrophysiology
• Brain-machine interfaces
• Mechanical and electronic prototyping workshops
• Access to advanced microfabrication facilities
• Cell culture facilities
• Behavioral neuroscience laboratories
• Small- and large-animal research facilities

Students 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.

PhD 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.

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.

Please specify whether you are applying for the PhD or postdoctoral position, and submit a single PDF containing:

• Cover letter (1 page) describing your motivation and research interests
• Curriculum Vitae
• Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts showing grades (PhD applicants) or PhD certificate and transcripts (postdoctoral applicants)
• Degree certificates
• Publications (if applicable)
• Contact details of at least two academic referees

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Questions regarding the position can be send to [email protected]

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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.