PhD position on engineering of machine perfusion platforms for organ and tissue culture

The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory (Prof. Mark W. Tibbitt) within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zürich, Switzerland engineers and applies advanced polymeric materials and medical devices for a range of biomedical and industrial uses. The recent focus of the group includes the development of: (i) rational design of dynamic polymer networks; (ii) (bio)material processing; (iii) organ perfusion and regeneration; (iv) tools to study mechanobiology and cell–matrix interactions; and (v) engineered drug delivery systems. The lab is composed of a highly interdisciplinary and international team of motivated researchers. To expand on our expertise in machine perfusion device design and extend our platforms to new biological systems, we are recruiting a full-time (100%) doctoral candidate with a background in electrical or mechanical engineering, with an intended starting date on or after 01. September 2026.

Project background

The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory has a long-standing research program in the engineering of ex situ organ perfusion systems, developed as part of the interdisciplinary Liver4Life project in collaboration with the University Hospital Zürich and the Wyss Zürich Translational Center. Over the past decade, the lab co-developed a normothermic machine perfusion platform that replicates key physiological functions — including pulsatile circulation, oxygenation, dialysis, and hormone and nutrient supplementation — to maintain organs viable outside the body for extended periods. This work culminated in world-first demonstrations of human liver preservation for one week ex situ [Eshmuminov et al. Nat. Biotechnol. 2020] and the first clinical transplantation of a liver treated and recovered in a perfusion machine [Clavien et al. Nat. Biotechnol. 2022]. In parallel, the lab has developed a compact machine perfusion platform for rat liver, enabling fundamental studies of organ metabolism, pharmacology, and perfusion biomarker discovery under controlled ex situ conditions.

Job description

• The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory has a long-standing research program in the engineering of ex situ organ perfusion systems, developed as part of the interdisciplinary Liver4Life project in collaboration with the University Hospital Zürich and the Wyss Zürich Translational Center
• Over the past decade, the lab co-developed a normothermic machine perfusion platform that replicates key physiological functions — including pulsatile circulation, oxygenation, dialysis, and hormone and nutrient supplementation — to maintain organs viable outside the body for extended periods
• This work culminated in world-first demonstrations of human liver preservation for one week ex situ [Eshmuminov et al. Nat. Biotechnol. 2020] and the first clinical transplantation of a liver treated and recovered in a perfusion machine [Clavien et al. Nat. Biotechnol. 2022]
• In parallel, the lab has developed a compact machine perfusion platform for rat liver, enabling fundamental studies of organ metabolism, pharmacology, and perfusion biomarker discovery under controlled ex situ conditions
• This doctoral project will have two main thrusts. In the first, the student will develop expertise on the lab's existing machine perfusion platforms for human and rat liver
• This will include learning the engineering design, assembly, and operation of the perfusion hardware; developing improved control software and sensor integration for real-time monitoring of physiological parameters (pH, oxygen tension, glucose, lactate, pressure, flow); and supporting ongoing perfusion experiments in collaboration with clinical and biological partners
• In the second thrust, the student will conceive, design, and prototype next-generation perfusion-based platforms for new biological applications
• The doctoral student is explicitly encouraged to bring their own ideas to shape the direction of this work, in discussion with the broader team
• The doctoral student will work in close collaboration with and be supported by an interdisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, and clinicians both within the lab and through our established partnerships with the Hub for Translational Research and Liver/GI Health
• In addition to research, the PhD candidate is expected to contribute to lab duties and teaching, including student supervision, lecture support, and practical courses in the lab

Profile

• We are seeking a curious, motivated, and self-driven individual with strong engineering fundamentals and a passion for building devices that operate at the interface of engineering and medicine
• Academic excellence, a professional work attitude, and a proactive and self-driven work ethic are expected.
• The candidate must be able to fluently communicate in English (oral and written) and be willing to work in a highly interactive, international team 
• Applicants must hold a MSc degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, process engineering, robotics, or a related field 
• A working knowledge of electromechanical system design—including sensors, actuators, pumps, and control systems—is required 
• Practical experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous: embedded systems programming and real-time control (e.g., LabVIEW, Simulink Real-Time, ROS, C/C++, STM32); analog and digital PCB design; machine design and prototyping (e.g., CAD modelling, 3D printing, machining); biomedical device or microfluidic device development; or hands-on experience working in a biology or clinical research environment
• The doctoral position is intended for 4 years, at 100% employment, and will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Mark W. Tibbitt
• The position is conditional upon admission to the Doctoral Program at ETH Zurich

We offer

The position is hosted in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) of the ETH Zurich, in the Zentrum Campus in Zürich, Switzerland. D-MAVT is an interdisciplinary department with focus areas in process/chemical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering as well as robotics and controls. ETH Zurich is a global leader in science and engineering and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. Zürich is an international city with broad access to outdoor activities, arts and culture, other European cities, as well as a rich and excellent scientific community.

We value diversity and sustainability

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 .

About ETH Zürich

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents, as a single PDF:

• A cover letter of motivation that describes your scientific interest in this position and main scientific achievements to date (max. 2 pages)
• CV
• Diplomas and course transcripts
• The contact details of three or more references

Further information about the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory can be found on our Website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Tibbitt, (E-Mail auf jobs.nzz.ch ansehen) (no applications).

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

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