PhD Student in X-ray scattering and imaging on mineralized tissues

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

The Structure and Mechanics of Advanced Materials Group at PSI within the Center for Photon Science performing research on structural and mechanical properties of diverse soft matter systems, including samples of biological origin, as well as of metals and alloys. We are actively developing and applying various X-ray and neutron scattering, diffraction and imaging methods working closely together with various beamlines at SLS and SINQ. For this group, we are looking for a

PhD Student in X-ray scattering and imaging on mineralized tissues

Your tasks

• Develop Python-based analysis tools to extract nanostructural information from SAXS tensor tomography 
• Investigate how mineralized biological tissues, including bone, adapt their nanostructure to different mechanical and functional demands 
• Help to design and conduct correlative multi-scale analysis pipelines integrating SAXS tensor tomography and high-resolution X-ray tomography, and complementary electron microscopy data (in collaboration with microscopy experts) 
• Publish results in scientific journals and present findings at international conferences

Your profile

• Master’s degree in Physics, Computational Science, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields 
• Good communication skills in English 
• Experience with programming in Python is considered an asset 
• Interest in interdisciplinary research linking biology, computational tools and X-ray methods 
• You will be enrolled in the doctoral school of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr Marianne Liebi, e-mail E-Mail auf apply.refline.ch ansehen, phone Telefonnummer auf apply.refline.ch ansehen. 

Please submit your application online by 16August 2026 (including addresses of referees) for the position as a PhD Student (Index-Nr. 6317-28708). 

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Emily Kulowatz, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland