Postdoctoral Position: Mechanotyping of Complex Cellular Systems 100%, Basel, fixed-term We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on the mechanotyping of complex cellular systems, combining cutting-edge nanotechnological tools, advanced cell biology, and systems-level quantitative biology. The project aims to uncover how mechanical properties, forces, and physical phenotypes integrate with molecular networks to regulate the function of complex cellular systems across multiple biological scales. Project background Cells are mechanically heterogeneous systems composed of proteins, membranes, and compartments with distinct physical properties. In parallel, they continuously sense and respond to diverse mechanical cues from their environment, including adhesion, stiffness, tension, shear, pressure, and confinement. These cues are integrated across wide spatial and temporal scales, from nanometers to tissues, to regulate collective cellular behavior. Mechanobiology seeks to understand how cells, tissues, and organoids perceive, process, and remodel mechanical signals, and how these processes govern fundamental biological functions such as homeostasis, growth, differentiation, migration, development, and apoptosis. Despite major advances, a multiscale understanding of how mechanical information is generated and integrated in complex multicellular systems remains limited. Progress in the field requires the development of engineered multicellular models as mechanical reference systems, new tools to quantitatively measure and manipulate mechanics across scales, and theoretical frameworks to interpret mechanobiological complexity. This postdoctoral project addresses these challenges by combining model systems, advanced mechanical probing, and integrative analysis to elucidate how mechanical properties regulate biological function across molecular, cellular, and multicellular levels, ultimately supporting advances in mechanodiagnostics and mechanomedicine. Job description You will work at the interface of mechanobiology, nanotechnology, systems biology, and quantitative biology, developing and applying innovative experimental and analytical approaches to characterize cellular mechanical states and their regulatory roles. Research directions include: Quantitative mechanotyping of single cells, tissues, and multicellular systems (e.g., organoids, spheroids) Development and application of nanotechnological platforms for force sensing, manipulation, and mechanical phenotyping Advanced cell biological techniques, including live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, and genetically encoded reporters Systems biology approaches to integrate mechanical phenotypes with molecular, signaling, and transcriptional networks Quantitative modeling and data-driven analysis of multi-parameter cellular states High-throughput and multi-scale approaches to link mechanical properties to functional cellular outcomes The position offers substantial freedom to shape novel experimental pipelines that bridge physical measurements with systems-level biological insight. Independent working on an interdisciplinary challenging and complex project at highest scientific levels at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich in Basel in collaboration with internationally leading groups in cell, organoid and computational biology. Profile PhD degree or equivalent in the fields of cell biology, mechanobiology, bionanotechnology, systems biology, quantitative biology (phenotyping), computational biosystems analysis, and other related disciplines Experience in human and animal cell biology, cellular systems, and organoids Expertise in micro-/nanofabrication, advanced optical microscopy and nanooscopy, image analysis, computational analysis Interest in getting trained in molecular and cellular biophysics, bionanotechnology, cell and tissue biology, high end optical microscopy, phenotyping, multiplexing Interest in interdisciplinary research at the ETH Zurich in Basel with cell biology, organoid biology, nanotechnology, mechanobiology, computational biology and biophysics is welcome Ability to work independently as well as part of a team Excellent organizational skills and high reliability Excellent track record in scientific working, communication, and publishing Outstanding ability to work independently in highly collaborative teams Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are essential Workplace We offer Exciting and highly innovative and collaborative research within the framework of the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at the ETH Zurich in Basel Highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment Full access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and expertise at the campuses of ETH Zurich Support benefits (networking, career development) Regular seminars and symposia at ETH Zurich and Basel ecosystem Fully funded position for initially 1-2 years, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainability 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. We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents as a single PDF: A letter of motivation CV including a list of publications 2 letters of recommendation Brief statement of research interests (1500 characters) Copy of your original doctoral degree certificate Application deadline: applications can be submitted until March 1, 2026, evaluation will be done on a rolling basis Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Daniel J. Müller by e-mail daniel.mueller@bsse.ethz.ch (no applications). Further information about the Biophysics Group at ETH Zurich D-BSSE and the D-BSSE can be found on the websites. About ETH Zürich 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. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

Postdoctoral Position: Mechanotyping of Complex Cellular Systems

100%, Basel, fixed-term

We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on the mechanotyping of complex cellular systems, combining cutting-edge nanotechnological tools, advanced cell biology, and systems-level quantitative biology. The project aims to uncover how mechanical properties, forces, and physical phenotypes integrate with molecular networks to regulate the function of complex cellular systems across multiple biological scales.

Project background

Cells are mechanically heterogeneous systems composed of proteins, membranes, and compartments with distinct physical properties. In parallel, they continuously sense and respond to diverse mechanical cues from their environment, including adhesion, stiffness, tension, shear, pressure, and confinement. These cues are integrated across wide spatial and temporal scales, from nanometers to tissues, to regulate collective cellular behavior. Mechanobiology seeks to understand how cells, tissues, and organoids perceive, process, and remodel mechanical signals, and how these processes govern fundamental biological functions such as homeostasis, growth, differentiation, migration, development, and apoptosis. Despite major advances, a multiscale understanding of how mechanical information is generated and integrated in complex multicellular systems remains limited. Progress in the field requires the development of engineered multicellular models as mechanical reference systems, new tools to quantitatively measure and manipulate mechanics across scales, and theoretical frameworks to interpret mechanobiological complexity. This postdoctoral project addresses these challenges by combining model systems, advanced mechanical probing, and integrative analysis to elucidate how mechanical properties regulate biological function across molecular, cellular, and multicellular levels, ultimately supporting advances in mechanodiagnostics and mechanomedicine.

Job description

You will work at the interface of mechanobiology, nanotechnology, systems biology, and quantitative biology, developing and applying innovative experimental and analytical approaches to characterize cellular mechanical states and their regulatory roles. Research directions include:

Quantitative mechanotyping of single cells, tissues, and multicellular systems (e.g., organoids, spheroids)
Development and application of nanotechnological platforms for force sensing, manipulation, and mechanical phenotyping
Advanced cell biological techniques, including live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, and genetically encoded reporters
Systems biology approaches to integrate mechanical phenotypes with molecular, signaling, and transcriptional networks
Quantitative modeling and data-driven analysis of multi-parameter cellular states
High-throughput and multi-scale approaches to link mechanical properties to functional cellular outcomes

The position offers substantial freedom to shape novel experimental pipelines that bridge physical measurements with systems-level biological insight. Independent working on an interdisciplinary challenging and complex project at highest scientific levels at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich in Basel in collaboration with internationally leading groups in cell, organoid and computational biology.

Profile

PhD degree or equivalent in the fields of cell biology, mechanobiology, bionanotechnology, systems biology, quantitative biology (phenotyping), computational biosystems analysis, and other related disciplines
Experience in human and animal cell biology, cellular systems, and organoids
Expertise in micro-/nanofabrication, advanced optical microscopy and nanooscopy, image analysis, computational analysis
Interest in getting trained in molecular and cellular biophysics, bionanotechnology, cell and tissue biology, high end optical microscopy, phenotyping, multiplexing
Interest in interdisciplinary research at the ETH Zurich in Basel with cell biology, organoid biology, nanotechnology, mechanobiology, computational biology and biophysics is welcome
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Excellent organizational skills and high reliability
Excellent track record in scientific working, communication, and publishing
Outstanding ability to work independently in highly collaborative teams
Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are essential

Workplace

We offer

Exciting and highly innovative and collaborative research within the framework of the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at the ETH Zurich in Basel
Highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
Full access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities and expertise at the campuses of ETH Zurich
Support benefits (networking, career development)
Regular seminars and symposia at ETH Zurich and Basel ecosystem
Fully funded position for initially 1-2 years, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding

chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents as a single PDF:

A letter of motivation
CV including a list of publications
2 letters of recommendation
Brief statement of research interests (1500 characters)
Copy of your original doctoral degree certificate

Application deadline: applications can be submitted until March 1, 2026, evaluation will be done on a rolling basis

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Daniel J. Müller by e-mail daniel.mueller@bsse.ethz.ch (no applications).

Further information about the Biophysics Group at ETH Zurich D-BSSE and the D-BSSE can be found on the websites.

About ETH Zürich

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.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

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