PhD Student to work on Wearable optical sensors for detecting biomarkers relevant to wound healing

PhD Student to work on Wearable optical sensors for detecting biomarkers relevant to wound healing

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

In our research group, we design smart stimuli-responsive (nano)-materials that can be applied as diagnostic tools or as controlled drug delivery systems aiming to improve the management of infected wounds. Our group is focused on: i) Developing novel fluorescent-based detection approaches for the continuous monitoring of wound healing. ii) Achieving temporal and spatial controlled drug release systems through stimuli-responsive materials.

Project background
Wound healing is a complex process in which a cascade of physiological events takes place to restore injured skin to its full functionality. The presence of bacteria in the wound impairs the healing process leading to persistent inflammatory lesions, chronic wounds and, worst-case scenario, to sepsis. Due to the often inappropriate wound management and the increased number of multidrug-resistance strains, infected wounds represent a concerning burden for global health. In the Wound Booster initiative, we will design a precision, self-care integrated system to completely understand, simulate and monitor skin wound evolution, with the ultimate aim to treat and even prevent chronic wounds.

Your tasks
In this PhD project, you will develop sensors integrated in adaptive wound dressings. The sensors will be designed by combining optical sensing approaches, which will prevent signal interference and allow for simultaneous assessment of multiple markers (multiplexing and multifunctionality). You will work in close collaboration with two other Empa PhD students: one working on optical sensing of bacterial loading and another performing an unbiased study of protein biomarkers that objectively indicate wound status. You will functionalize hydrogels with the transducers and study their sensing properties under physiological conditions. Later, you will validate the sensors with real wound exudate obtained from our clinical partners.

Your profile
The candidate should have a strong background in Chemistry or Materials Science. We are looking for a highly motivated person capable of working in a multidisciplinary environment, driven by scientific curiosity and open to learning new topics. The Ph.D. candidate needs to be proficient in spoken and written English and have a Master's degree. Previous experience in one or more of the following topics is required: surface functionalization chemistries, spectrophotometric analysis, analysis of release kinetics, and synthesis of hydrogels (nanocomposites).

Our offer
The work will be carried out at Empa St. Gallen (under the supervision of Dr. Luciano F. Boesel) and ZHAW (under the supervision of Dr. Mathias Bonmarin). The project will have a duration of 3-4 years, with a starting date upon mutual agreement.

Candidates need to address the project and points mentioned above in their letter of motivation. Applications missing this information will not be considered.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas, and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

Job details

Title: PhD Student to work on Wearable optical sensors for detecting biomarkers relevant to wound healing