Postdoc Position for Synthetic Biology-Inspired Therapies, Basel

Postdoc Position for Synthetic Biology-Inspired Therapies A World-Class Research Environment at the Nexus of Biology, Engineering, and Physical Sciences

The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group led by Prof. Dr. Martin Fussenegger at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of the ETH Zurich in Basel invites exceptional candidates to apply for a postdoctoral position in pioneering projects developing synthetic biology-inspired human therapies.

The D-BSSE is the first truly interdisciplinary research department, uniting theoretical and experimental biology with advanced bioengineering and fostering close collaborations with leaders in material science, physics, and chemistry to drive transformative advances in systems biology, biotechnology, and synthetic biology. Situated in Basel, Switzerland, at the heart of the BioValley, a tri‑national region that hosts 40% of the global life science industry and numerous major pharmaceutical companies, the D-BSSE offers a unique environment for high‑impact translational research with unparalleled access to academic and industrial expertise.

Project background Advancing the Frontiers of Cell‑based therapies and Synthetic Biology

Our group applies state‑of‑the‑art synthetic biology principles to engineer human cells and create next‑generation cell‑based therapies targeting cancer as well as metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Leveraging innovative platforms such as novel biosensors, gene switches, genetic closed‑loop circuits, and chemical structures that interface with and actuate cellular activities, we design programmable cellular implants and devices for therapeutic applications. By integrating fundamental discoveries with translational development, we aim to shape the future of biomedical innovation.

Postdoctoral projects will combine molecular engineering, cell programming, and chemical–biological interfacing to engineer human cells using synthetic gene circuits and biosensing platforms, develop novel biosensing systems for real‑time monitoring of cellular states, create genetic architectures for precise therapeutic protein regulation, and translate these research advances into programmable cellular implant prototypes

Projects will be highly interdisciplinary, fostering close collaboration with molecular biologists, bioengineers, and clinical researchers to accelerate translation into clinically relevant therapies

Profile

We are seeking highly motivated applicants eager to bridge basic and translational research in cell biology and synthetic biology

Candidates should have strong skills in molecular and cell biology techniques, including cultivation and engineering of primary human cells and mammalian cell lines, experience with in vivo techniques, as well as completion of an accredited course in laboratory animal science (FELASA / LTK or equivalent), would be an asset

We welcome applicants with a strong publication record and the ambition to pursue a career in academia, industrial R&D, or biotechnology entrepreneurship

Workplace We offer

Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society

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.

Curious? So are we. Applications must be submitted exclusively through our online application portal and should include

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