PhD/Postdoc in Neurodelivery: Ultrasound-Controlled Carriers

ppThe 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. /p pOur 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. /p h3Project background /h3 pWe 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. /p pThe 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. /p pThe 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. /p pThe 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. /p h3Job description /h3 pThe 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. /p pDepending on experience and interests, the project may include: /p ul liDesign and synthesis of ultrasound‑responsive drug carrier formulations (e.g., microbubbles, nanodroplets, liposomes, or polymeric/lipid nanoparticles) /li liOptimization of drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics /li liPhysicochemical characterization of carriers (size, zeta potential, stability, morphology) /li liChemical engineering of carrier production processes (e.g., microfluidics, emulsification, sonication) /li liAssessment of carrier stability under ultrasound exposure and physiological conditions /li liIn vitro and in vivo evaluation of drug loading, release, and therapeutic efficacy /li liAnalytical method development for carrier and drug quantification (e.g., HPLC, DLS) /li liIntegration of carrier formulations with focused ultrasound delivery systems /li liCollaboration with engineers and clinicians to prepare first‑in‑human clinical studies /li liContribution to regulatory‑compliant formulation development and quality control /li /ul pThis is a highly interdisciplinary project at the interface of chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and translational medicine. /p h3Profile /h3 pWe are looking for highly motivated and creative researchers who enjoy solving challenging interdisciplinary problems. /p pApplicants 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: /p ul liChemical Engineering /li liChemistry /li liPharmaceutical Sciences / Pharmaceutics /li liMaterials Science /li liBiomedical Engineering /li lior a closely related field /li /ul pIdeal candidates have to possess several of the following: /p ul liExcellent academic records from excellent institutions /li liStrong quantitative and analytical skills, incl. programming (Python, MATLAB, or similar) /li liExperimental laboratory experience in drug formulation, nanoparticle/microbubble synthesis, colloid chemistry, or related fields /li liHands‑on experience with carrier characterization techniques (e.g., dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, HPLC, electron microscopy) /li liMicrofluidic synthesis/purification expertise /li liKnowledge of drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics assessment /li liStrong motivation for translational drug delivery research and medical innovation /li liFor postdoctoral applicants, a track record of peer‑reviewed publications in drug delivery, nanomedicine, or pharmaceutical sciences /li /ul pGood communication skills, being able to work independently as well as being part of a multidisciplinary team are essential requirements. /p pAdditionally, the following qualifications are considered positively: /p ul liAnimal experiment experience (e.g., in vivo drug delivery studies, small animal handling, surgical procedures, imaging, or pharmacokinetic/biodistribution assessment) /li liPrevious experience with focused ultrasound, drug delivery, or biomedical instrumentation /li /ul pBecause the project includes translational preclinical studies, candidates should be willing to participate in animal experiments. /p h3We offer /h3 pThe Neurotechnology Group at ETH Zurich provides one of Europe’s leading research environments for neurotechnology and drug delivery. /p pOur laboratory integrates, under one roof: /p ul liChemical synthesis and drug formulation laboratories /li liHigh‑field 7 Tesla MRI /li liTwo‑photon and confocal microscopy /li liState‑of‑the‑art electrophysiology /li liBrain‑machine interfaces /li liMechanical and electronic prototyping workshops /li liAccess to advanced microfabrication facilities /li liCell culture facilities /li liBehavioral neuroscience laboratories /li liSmall‑ and large‑animal research facilities /li /ul pStudents 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. /p pPhD 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. /p h3We value diversity and sustainability /h3 pIn 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. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr