PhD position in Advancing Healthcare Applications: MOF and COF-Integrated Magnetic Micro/Nanorobots for Precision Drug Delivery

The Multiscale Robotics Lab (MSRL) is part of the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS) at ETH Zurich, pursuing cutting-edge research in robotics at micron- and nanometer scales. MSRL develops tools and processes for fabricating and assembling microscopic robots and nanometer-scale robotic components used in diverse applications, including biological exploration. For more information, visit visit msrl.ethz.ch.

This position is part of the GREENS project, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network offering the opportunity to pursue a PhD across various European universities, research centers, and companies.

The successful candidate will develop micro/nanorobotic systems by integrating Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) with magnetic structures for targeted drug delivery, ensure biodegradability and precise magnetic control, and perform comprehensive in vitro and ex vivo studies to assess drug encapsulation, release kinetics and navigability in simulated biological environments.

The expected outcomes of the project will be to establish innovative techniques for embedding MOFs and COFs into magnetic micro/nanorobots, demonstrate targeted drug delivery with improved efficiency and reduced systemic exposure, and conduct an extensive performance analysis of biodegradability, magnetic navigation, and drug delivery capabilities for healthcare applications.

• MSc background in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, or related fields.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and a willingness to engage in scientific discussions and present research findings.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.
• Willingness to embrace challenges, learn new methodologies and contribute to a dynamic academic setting
• Doctoral candidates only: Applicants should not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
• Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months (in total) within the three years immediately before recruitment.

• The opportunity to pursue a PhD across various European universities, research centers and companies.
• Supervision by leading experts in the field
• Access to world-class research facilities and computational resources
• Opportunities for national and international conferences and  workshops
• Support for publishing in high-impact journals and presenting at major conferences
• Dynamic, international and interdisciplinary research team
• Open, inclusive and collaborative work environment
• ETH Zurich is an Equal Opportunity Employer