PhD Position

ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering ResearchThe ARTORG Organs-on-Chip Technologies Lab (Prof. O. Guenat) integrates microfluidic engineering with advanced cell biology to create next-generation disease models. In collaboration with ETH Zürich (Prof. C. Halin) and the University of Bern (Prof. C. Bourquin), this project aims to advance understanding of the human lung's lymphatic vasculature in health and disease, with a focus on COPD, through the development of innovative organ-on-chip systems.We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a background in engineering and microfluidics who is eager to contribute to the development of advanced organ-on-chip (OOC) systems. The successful candidate will play a central role in designing and building innovative microphysiological models to study lymphatic–vascular interactions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).RequirementsMSc in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Microsystem Engineering or a related fieldScientific Expertise & Technical SkillsMicrofluidics: Strong theoretical and practical understanding of fluid dynamics, fluidic circuit design, and numerical simulation (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics or ANSYS) and experience in designing, optimizing and validating microfluidic systems for biological applicationsMicrofabrication & CAD: Strong engineering intuition and hands-on experience in developing and prototyping novel microfluidic systems (e.g., soft lithography, 3D printing) with experience in CAD-based device design and experimental validationCell culture: Practical experience with cell culture in microfluidic systems, including co-culture approaches, and skilled in fluorescence microscopy and image analysis for functional read-outs of microphysiological systemsSoftware: Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or R for data analysis, and automation of experimental workflowsCommunications: Excellent oral and written communication skills in EnglishPersonal skills: Creative, organized, self-motivated & able to work both independently & within a multidisciplinary teamResponsibilitiesModel development: Collaborate with research partners in Bern and Zurich to develop multi-compartments OOC systems integrating blood and lymphatic vasculature with key mechanical cues of the lung microenvironmentCharacterization: Design chips based on microfluidic and physical principles, fabricate & optimize using state-of-the-art microfabrication techniques and characterize chip performance (fluidics, mechanics, and reproducibility)Method development: Design and implement specific functional read-outs and quantitative assays to assess vascularlymphatic interactions.Collaboration & dissemination: work closely with research partners, contribute to publications and present results at international conferencesWhat We OfferA stimulating interdisciplinary research environment linking bioengineering, cell biology and translational medicineAccess to state-of-the-art microfluidic, organs-on-chip and imaging facilitiesOpportunities to collaborate with leading experts in vascular and lymphatic biology and COPDThe successful PhD candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB)Salary according to the SNSF regulationsA vibrant research setting in Bern, Switzerland's capital, surrounded by the Aare river and the Bernese AlpsHow To ApplySubmit: Motivation Letter, CV + list of publications, name and contact of two references, in a single pdf document to (headline: PhD position, project LYVA)Workplace: ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Murtenstrasse 50, 3008 Bern, SwitzerlandContract duration: 4 yearsStart: ideally January 2026 (negotiable)The review of applications will start on December 1st, 2025. The position will remain open until it is filled. Rechtliche HinweiseJetzt bewerben