Prof. Dr. Carlo Menon, Professor at ETH Zurich and Director of the Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab, is looking for a postdoctoral candidate with expertise in functional materials. The research would focus on innovative sensing technologies for integration in electronic textiles (e-textiles) for continuous health monitoring.

Your research will aim to conceive and design innovative sensors for monitoring people’s health. The research will initially focus on developing new materials, sensors, techniques, and methodologies for health-related wearables to create proof-of-concept devices. 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. The 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.

You will be academically supervised by Prof. Dr. Carlo Menon at ETH Zurich. Professor 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 located in the Balgrist Campus, designed to foster collaboration. Built in 2016, 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.

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? Are you an expert in new analytical techniques? Have you ever designed electronic textiles, strain/pressure sensors, polymer-based sensors, or other miniaturized sensors? Are you interested in biosensors and wearable for developing innovative wearable technologies for sport and health applications? If yes, then please apply!

We expect you to

• keep up to date with relevant literature to recognize potential new avenues of research
• explore and present these ideas to Prof Menon and the research group regularly (projects with the highest potential will be decided upon with the help of Prof. Menon)
• be independent in planning, executing, writing/communicating, and presenting your research (support will be available from Prof Menon and the research group as required)
• produce multiple high-level publications
• continue and expand the project(s) with support from Masters/PhD students
• note that research with innovation potential will have the full backing of Prof Menon and ETH Zurich
• assist in grant writing
• assist in attracting BSc/MSc students to the lab and mentoring their projects

We encourage growth as a scientist and academic; we aim to publish high-impact peer reviewed publications and develop patents for potential commercialization. Overall, about 30% of your time will be devoted to supporting the lab in teaching and managing resources. As a postdoc at ETH Zurich, you would be a paid employee of the university. Please see the ETH Zurich postdoctoral candidate website for information. You will receive benefits including social security contributions, subsidized fitness club/gym membership, and plenty of support for future career planning.

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 the research outlined in this job description
• 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 have strong communication skills
• you have a strong publication track record

We would like you to bring the following social and leadership 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
  • exploring new ideas, solutions and technologies
• you live inclusivity, i.e. by treating all people equitably
• you build bridges, i.e. by
  • communicating effectively
  • seeking opportunities to collaborate
• you enable people, i.e. by contributing to a culture in which failures are dealt with constructively

You will be conducting your postdoctoral research where the fields of biomedical engineering, wireless communication, materials science, computer science and technology for health meet, at one of the world’s leading universities focusing on research and technology. ETH Zurich offers outstanding employment conditions.

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 or entrepreneurial 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. The keywords are:
  • 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 PhD degrees or proof of enrolment and expected date of completion
• any English language certificates to prove proficiency
• 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.

Further information about the Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab at ETH Zurich can be found on our website. 

For further information, please contact Ms. Veronika Hall Abraham, email veronika.hallabraham@hest.ethz.ch (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.