University of Zurich

Open Opportunities

Advancing Single-Molecule Sensing for Protein Analysis ETH Zurich Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB) In this project, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and optimization of a single-molecule sensor designed for the detection, identification, and analysis of important biomolecules such as DNA and proteins. The sensor technology is built upon the principles of microfluidics, nanofabrication, and machine-learning data analysis. It is an excellent fit for students who possess skills and a strong interest in these fields and are eager to engage in an interdisciplinary project with significant potential impact. Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences, Physics Master Thesis

PhD Position in Innovation Management University of Zurich Prof. Dr. Anja Schulze Chair of Mobility and Digital Innovation Management (Prof. Dr. Anja Schulze) Start date: September 1, 2025, or by mutual agreement We are looking for a highly motivated and research-oriented candidate to join our team. The position offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD at one of Europe’s leading research universities, located in the heart of Zurich. Innovation and Technology Management PhD Placement

Bioengineered iPSC-Derived Neural Networks on High-Density Microelectrode Arrays for Studying Pathological Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease ETH Zurich Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB) Are you interested in uncovering how Alzheimer’s disease disrupts communication in the brain — and exploring new ways to study and possibly intervene in this process? In this project, you will use cutting-edge microfluidic platforms to construct bioengineered neural networks that better mimic the structure and function of brain microcircuits. These networks, established from human iPSC-derived neurons, will be studied throughout their development using high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs), enabling detailed tracking of their electrical activity at high spatiotemporal resolution. You will introduce Alzheimer’s disease-related pathology into the networks and investigate how it alters connectivity, signaling patterns, and neural responses to stimulation over time. The project offers a unique opportunity to combine experimental work in cellular neuroscience with computational analysis of neural network function. Depending on your background and interests, your work can be directed more toward wet-lab techniques (e.g., cell culturing, immunostaining, confocal imaging, electrophysiology) or toward data analysis and modeling (e.g., signal processing, graph theory, information theory). Analysis of Algorithms and Complexity, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Biosensor Technologies, Biotechnology, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Medical Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Neurosciences, Systems Biology and Networks Bachelor Thesis, ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis, Semester Project

Expressive Speech Synthesis for Accessibility and Health University of Zurich Michael Krauthammer Developing AI models to create natural-sounding, expressive speech synthesis systems for healthcare applications. This project focuses on improving synthetic voices to capture emotion, tone, and non-verbal cues, enabling effective communication for individuals with speech impairments. Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Engineering and Technology Master Thesis, Semester Project

Controllable Music Generation and Editing with AI for Health, Creativity, and Wellbeing University of Zurich Michael Krauthammer This project explores controllable music generation and editing using cutting-edge AI techniques. Instead of generating entire songs with a single text prompt, we aim to create fine-grained, temporally controlled music where specific aspects (e.g., melody, chords, drum patterns, musical style) can be independently specified, edited, and regenerated. Such controllable music systems open exciting applications not only in creative industries but also in healthcare and wellbeing, supporting adaptive music therapy, emotional regulation, and accessible creative tools for individuals with disabilities. Arts, Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Engineering and Technology Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Comparing Human and Meta-RL Learning Strategies Using Cognitive Latents University of Zurich Christian Ruff This thesis aims to bridge the gap between human decision-making under uncertainty and artificial intelligence. Building upon recent neuroimaging research from our group on how the human brain processes probability and uncertainty of motivational events, this project will investigate whether meta-reinforcement learning (meta-RL) models can accurately replicate these complex neural computations and match human performance on a specific Pavlovian task. Ultimately, the goal is to understand the similarities and differences in how AI and biological intelligence handle learning and decision-making in uncertain environments. Computer Perception, Memory and Attention, Neurocognitive Patterns and Neural Networks, Neurosciences, Simulation and Modelling Master Thesis

Investigating cells mechanical properties via Fluidic Force Microscopy in a 2D autoimmune skin disease model ETH Zurich Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB) The remarkable complexity of morphogenesis and tissue regeneration implies the existence of a transcellular communication network in which individual cells sense the environment and coordinate their biological activity in time and space. To understand the fascinating ability of tissue self-organization, comprehensive study of biophysical properties (cellular nanomechanics such as tension forces and bioelectromagnetics) in combination with the analysis of biochemical networks (signaling pathways and genetic circuits) is required. In this framework we are investigating the unacknowledged key role of Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) as a receptor involved in mechanosensing, capable of initiating a signaling response in the transcellular communication network, which results in stem cell fate conversion, plasticity and tissue repair. Our goal is to apply innovative Fluidic Force Microscopy to measure altered biophysical parameters upon disruption of Dsg3 transadhesion such as cell stiffness, cell-cell adhesion, cell surface charges and electric potentials. Together with the University of Bern and University of Lübeck we are further investigating how these biophysical changes relate to transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic response circuits to ultimately infer biophysical and biochemical circuits involved in Dsg3 signaling. Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Medical and Health Sciences, Physics Bachelor Thesis, ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis, Semester Project

Agile Flight of Flexible Drones in Confined Spaces University of Zurich Robotics and Perception The project aims to create a controller for an interesting and challenging type of quadrotor, where the rotors are connected via flexible joints. Control Engineering, Flight Control Systems, Intelligent Robotics, Systems Theory and Control Master Thesis, Semester Project

Vision-Based World Models for Real-Time Robot Control University of Zurich Robotics and Perception This project aims to use vision-based world models as a basis for model-based reinforcement learning, aiming to achieve a generalizable approach for drone navigation. Computer Vision, Intelligent Robotics, Simulation and Modelling Master Thesis, Semester Project

Vision-Based Reinforcement Learning in the Real World University of Zurich Robotics and Perception We aim to learn vision-based policies in the real world using state-of-the-art model-based reinforcement learning. Computer Vision, Flight Control Systems, Intelligent Robotics Master Thesis, Semester Project