PhD position on 3D Biohybrid Neuromuscular Tissues for Neuronal Control of Muscle Actuation

We welcome applications to complete a doctoral training in Advanced Engineering with Living Materials (ALIVE) as part of the MaP Doctoral School hosted by the ETH Zurich Competence Center for Materials and Processes. The position will be based in the Soft Robotics Laboratory (D-MAVT), primarily advised by Professor Robert Katzschmann.

You will join a group that is working at the frontier of biology and soft robotics: biohybrid robotics. We focus on engineering skeletal and cardiac muscle tissues to grow functional biological muscles that can be used as actuators. These biohybrid systems also provide crucial insight into biomedical topics such as muscle and nerve regeneration, medical implants, and prostheses.

The PhD focuses on developing a 3D tissue engineering platform for integrating neurons with skeletal muscle cells in a 3D construct. In biohybrid robotics, we lack long-term compatible biological control methods of muscle actuation, as we rely on global electric fields to induce muscle contraction. Your work would address this unmet need and pave the way for the next generation of controllable and smart biohybrid robots. Crucially, your work would also serve as a platform to study the biology of neuromuscular pathologies and treatment methods as an in vitro model with a functional readout alongside more traditional biochemical characterization methods.

Close collaborators of the project would include all members of the ALIVE biohybrid project stream (see description below). You would also contribute to the efforts of an SNF Sinergia consortium focused on Machine-learned Design and Bioxolography of Functional 3D Skeletal Muscle Tissues. The consortium consists of 4 research groups within Switzerland and Germany, with expertise in cell biology, muscle tissue engineering, and volumetric 3D printing techniques.

The thesis work would focus on:

• Developing methods for 3D co-culture of neuron and muscle cells
• Fabrication of heterocellular, cm-scale 3D tissue-engineered constructs with complex muscle architecture and integrated neurons
• Engineering of hydrogel materials for 3D muscle-neuron cell culture and conductive interfaces
• Engineering constructs with integrated methods for cell actuation (e.g. optogenetic, electric, nanomaterial-based)

The output of the PhD thesis is going to be highly relevant as a 3D in vitro model system for neuromuscular biology and for use in next generation biohybrid robotics.

ALIVE Initiative

The ALIVE Initiative of ETH Zurich aims to elucidate and apply the design principles of living systems as a basis for sustainable, intelligent, and resilient materials and technologies of the future. Our approach encompasses studying natural systems and developing biohybrid or biomimetic synthetic systems bridging across scales, from the nano to the macro and structural scale. ALIVE is organized into three interrelated project streams:

• Actuated human joint organoid on chip for personalized health
• Multiscale biohybrid tissues for robotics driven by applications in health
• Living systems for carbon-capturing in self-aware infrastructure

You would join the ALIVE Biohybrid Stream consisting of: Prof. Robert Katzschmann (D-MAVT, Soft Robotics Lab), Prof. Jess Snedeker (D-HEST, Laboratory for Orthopaedic Biomechanics), Prof. Simone Schürle-Finke (D-HEST, Responsive Biomedical Systems Lab), Prof. Edoardo Mazza (D-MAVT, Experimental Continuum Mechanics), and Prof. Lucio Isa (D-MATL, Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces).

We are looking for a highly motivated, outstanding individual who is curious to continuously consider perspectives of different fields and work in an interdisciplinary environment. We particularly value diligence, perseverance, and curiosity in your day-to-day scientific work.

You should:

• Hold a Master's degree in a field relevant to the Biohybrid project stream: biology & biosystems science, (bio-)engineering, or chemistry & materials science
• Have an excellent track record and meet the general admission requirements for a doctorate at ETH Zurich. 
• Necessarily have previous research experience in bioengineered-related topics
• Have previous experience working with neuronal cells in vitro
• Know cell culture well and ideally be proficient in 3D cell culture with a focus on biomaterials and various biofabrication methods
• Experience developing co-culture systems for various cell types is a plus

ETH ALIVE Doctoral Fellowships are an exciting opportunity, and admission is highly competitive. The fellows will be employed according to the regulations of ETH Zurich. Upon completing the doctorate, the fellows are awarded the title "Doctor of Sciences (Dr. sc. ETH Zurich)".

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity, and attractive offers and benefits.