PhD Position: Respiratory Dysfunction – Mechanisms and Impact on Performance and Quality of Life

Exercise Physiology Lab, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology

Respiration and its regulation are critical for human performance, with respiratory control and function of respiratory muscles playing a central role. This is particularly evident in patients with pulmonary, cardiac, or neuromuscular diseases, but also in those recovering from COVID infection or when having undergone mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. The goal of our Swiss National Science Foundation project is to better understand the relationships between respiratory muscle function, respiratory control, performance, and quality of life.

In this project, you will design studies that involve both experimental investigations in the laboratory and telemonitored training and testing sessions. The aim of these studies is to better understand the automatic respiratory control and muscle function to reduce performance limitations of patients through specific interventions and training. You will work independently and as part of a team, taking responsibility for training master's students in the lab. You will present your findings at meetings and conferences and publish them in international journals.

• Master’s degree in Health Sciences and Technology, Human Movement Sciences, Life Sciences, or Human Medicine
• Excellent understanding of physiology, MATLAB and statistic skills, and advanced technical understanding
• Proactive and inquisitive personality, eager to exploring new approaches, self-motivated and team-oriented
• Excellent communication skills and a high level of empathy
• Experience in conducting human studies
• Outstanding academic qualifications
• Proficiency in both German and English (spoken and written, C1 level)

We offer a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and technologies. ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer offering excellent working conditions. Look forward to an exciting and inspiring work environment with a rich cultural diversity.