Do you have expertise in materials science, nanotechnology, polymer science, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry or related disciplines? Do you have experience with functional polymer synthesis, material fabrication techniques such as microfluidics or fibre manufacturing, composite fabrication, or other, related techniques? Your research will focus on innovative sensing technologies in electronic textiles (e-textiles) for continuous health monitoring.

You will focus on developing new materials, sensors, techniques, and methodologies for health-related wearables. We are looking for someone who can think outside the box and can identify technologies and applications that are complementary. If you have an interest in applying your fundamental knowledge in, but not limited to, materials science, synthesis, analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, and chemical engineering towards producing relevant and impactful health-monitoring wearable devices, then please apply. Your research will be highly collaborative; you should be eager to learn new science and technologies as well as contribute to the group through knowledge transfer of your expertise.

We expect you to

• keep up to date with relevant literature to recognize novel avenues of research
• generate high-quality publications
• explore and present new ideas to Prof. Menon and the research group regularly
• be independent in planning, executing, and communicating about your research
• continue and expand the project(s) with support from students
• note that research with innovation potential will have the full backing of Prof. Menon and ETH Zurich
• assist in grant writing
• train BSc/MSc students while assisting the lab in meeting its research goals, following its prescribed protocols and achieving its targets

We encourage growth as a scientist and academic; we aim to publish highly impactful peer-reviewed publications and develop patents for commercialization. Overall, about 30% of your time will be devoted to supporting the lab in teaching and managing resources.

We are looking for outstanding candidates with the ambition to make revolutionary scientific and technological contributions. Ideal candidates should be excellent researchers and excellent communicators able to work well in team. We are looking for creative individuals who are able to propose novel ideas, concepts and translate an idea to impactful, tangible results.

You must bring the following:

• you have a PhD degree or plan to complete one soon
• you are enthusiastic about pursuing an academic career
• you have skills and knowledge relevant to this advertised position
• you are a good English speaker and writer (the lab’s working language)
• you can describe the knowledge/skills gap you need to fill in order to succeed in your research
• you have a background in materials science or related discipline
• you are an effective communicator
• you have a strong academic track record

We would like you to bring the following competencies in line with ETH Zurich’s values:

• you act responsibly
• you nurture well-being, i.e. by managing your own resources sustainably
• you drive innovation, i.e., by being courageous, open and curious; being flexible and adaptable to change; as well as by exploring new ideas, solutions and technologies
• you live inclusivity, i.e. by treating all people equitably
• you build bridges, i.e. by communicating effectively and by seeking opportunities to collaborate
• you enable people, i.e. by contributing to a culture in which failures are dealt with constructively

You will be academically supervised by Prof. Dr. Carlo Menon at ETH Zurich. Prof. Menon has a strong publication record and has founded two start-up companies. His group is a team of imaginative builders who use their knowledge in materials science, engineering, computer science, and medicine to find bold, creative solutions to real-world problems. Prof. Menon’s lab is located in the Balgrist Campus, designed to foster collaboration. Built in 2015, the building’s open architecture is geared towards interdisciplinary research to promote innovation, research translation, and increase impact. The facility houses rapid prototyping machines, exoskeletons, instrumented treadmills, two MRI systems, two CT scan machines, wet labs, and characterization systems, among other equipment.

You will be conducting your postdoctoral research where the fields of materials science, biomedical engineering, wireless communication, computer science and technology for health meet, at one of the world’s leading universities focusing on research and technology. Please see the ETH Zurich postdoctoral candidate website for information. As a postdoc at ETH Zurich, you would be a paid employee of the university. You will receive benefits including social security contributions, subsidized fitness club/gym membership, and plenty of support for future career planning.

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• a two-page cover letter describing (1) why you want to pursue a future academic career; (2) why you are interested in this type of research; and (3) why you think you are the best fit for this position
• a one-page research proposal using the key words
  • materials science
  • sensing
  • e-textiles (or wearables)
• a detailed CV including any scientific publications, awards, prizes, achievements
• both undergraduate and graduate official transcripts, accompanied by an English translation where applicable
• a copy of your Master’s and/or PhD degree or proof of enrolment and expected date of completion
• a list with contact details of at least three professors/supervisors as references

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.

Further information about the Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Ms. Veronika Hall Abraham via email to [email protected] (no applications).

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.