ETH Zurich

Open Opportunities

Quantification of lacunar morphology in healthy and aging bone using 3D ultra-resolution computed tomography and advanced computing methods ETH Zurich Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics We use state-of-the-art 3D high-resolution imaging to study the properties of nanoscopic structures in bone. This project combines microCT imaging with advanced computational modelling and bone biology to advance our understanding of the mechanisms that lead to bone loss due to aging and disease. Biomechanical Engineering, Image Processing, Radiology and Organ Imaging, Software Engineering Master Thesis, Semester Project

Detection and assay development for Tumor-associated antigen specific B cells ETH Zurich Functional Immune Repertoire Analysis Are you interested in a project on antibody secretion in cancer? We are currently offering a project for interested Bachelor/Project/Internship students with background/interest in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or Molecular Biology interested in a project at the cross-section of microfluidics and antibody secretion. Project Scope: In this study, we aim to investigate the complex relationship between antibody secretion of TAA- and self-specific B cells in a mouse model system. Using customized single-cell antibody secretion assays, we will characterize ASCs from murine breast tumor models from in- and exfiltrates based on their frequency, cellular functions, activity (secretion rate) as well as specificity and affinity towards TAAs and closely related self-specific antigens (Eyer K. Single-cell deep phenotyping of IgG-secreting cells for high-resolution immune monitoring, 2017). Tasks of your project: Currently we are establishing an assay setup to detect tumor-associated antigen libraries. Student tasks will involve setting up of microfluidic based- antibody secretion assay for validation of antigen libraries using anti-tumor antibodies and checkpoint-inhibitor proteins. In detail, tasks will involve antibody calibration against specific antigens prominent in tumor and tumor libraries. Validation of assay against different isotype specific probes using anti-tumor IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies. Goal: A strong interest in technical challenges around microfluidics and a willingness to learn about biological systems are required. All new techniques will be taught thoroughly, and all steps and results will be discussed in detail with your supervisor. However, the ability to work and think independently is expected. The goal is for you to learn all essential basics and then be able to assess and suggest the next project steps. If you are interested and enjoy working in an innovative environment at the cross-section of microfluidics and single cell assays for B cells, you are welcome to apply. Students with background in life-science engineering, immunology and/or biochemistry are welcome. Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Genetic Immunology, Microbiology Bachelor Thesis, ETH Organization's Labels (ETHZ), Internship, Semester Project

Using musical cues to assess risk of fall of older adults in outdoor environments ETH Zurich Neuromuscular Biomechanics Currently, individuals at risk of falling are identified through clinic- and lab-based assessment of gait and movement function. These tests evaluate changes in motor skills in a steady environment free of disturbances, while most falls occur during real life environments with disturbances such as obstacles and uneven walking surfaces, thus they are not precise enough for the quantification of fall risk. A sensitive marker for fall risk can therefore be identified through assessing walking behavior in real-life. Biomechanical Engineering, Clinical Sciences, Human Movement and Sports Science, Rehabilitation Engineering ETH Organization's Labels (ETHZ), Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Coagulation mechanobiology ETH Zurich Applied Mechanobiology - Prof. Viola Vogel Platelets are the key player in organizing this initial clot to stop bleeding after vascular injury. If this system is perturbed (e.g an inflamed endothelium in Covid-19 or missing clotting factors in hemophilia A), thrombosis or uncontrolled bleeding can have fatal consequences. Therefore, it is important to better understand how platelets probe its environment in this early blood clot and crosstalk with the coagulation cascade. Biology, Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences Master Thesis, Semester Project

Photonic Metamaterial for On Chip Biosensing ETH Zurich Nanophotonic Systems Laboratory Photonic resonators can be designed to be extremely sensitive to tiny changes of their environment. When combined with microfluidics and biochemistry, they become capable to sense low concentrations of biomarkers with biomedical relevance. In this context, photonic metamaterials, which feature extraordinary properties beyond those available in natural materials, offer new opportunities to boost biosensing performance. Optics and Opto-electronic Physics Master Thesis

Prototype Design and Implementation of a Grid-Connected Converter with a LCL-filter ETH Zurich Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems In this project, you will design and build a prototype to validate the developed design method of a LCL-filter for grid-connected converter with MPC. Electrical Engineering Master Thesis

Developing the framework for an open-source platform for large-scale micro-computed tomography data ETH Zurich Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics Open-source strategies are becoming increasingly popular among researchers. Measured micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) data sets can be used as training sets for machine learning algorithms or validation sets of in silico simulations. To date, such undertakings face the lack of access to such experimental data. This student project will develop a novel open-research data platform for large micro-CT datasets which facilitate the exchange among research communities. Engineering and Technology, Information, Computing and Communication Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Investigation of bone regeneration during fracture healing in humans using time-lapsed advanced medical imaging ETH Zurich Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics The ability for bone to repair itself after fracture is highly variable across the population. This project aims to understand why this is the case by building tools to quantify fracture healing in humans using state-of-the-art medical imaging, and to associate those outcomes to clinical biomarkers. Biomechanical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Image Processing, Orthopaedics, Radiology and Organ Imaging Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Thesis

Design of a PCB for a T-type half-bridge with SiC MOSFETs ETH Zurich Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems In this project you will design a PCB containing a T-type half-bridge. In this process you will select components, draw the schematics, make the PCB layout, and test the PCB. In case of a Master thesis, you will perform more extensive test measurements. Furthermore, you will extend the VHDL required for a core loss measurement setup. Electrical Engineering Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Design and fabrication of hydrogel-based biomaterials for artificial intervertebral discs ETH Zurich Bone Pathologies and Treatment Background The spine is an important component of the human skeleton, which can support the upper body through transmitting compressive and shear forces to the lower body during activities of daily life [1]. However, spine-related disorders are quite common as people age, including intervertebral disc degeneration, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and facet arthritis, which have been widely accepted to be pivotal factors in the etiology of low back pain [2]. Many people suffer chronic low back pain which limits their activity and lowers their overall quality of life. This has become a global healthcare concern [3]. Spinal fusion is a successful treatment, stabilizing degenerated segments to eliminate the pain. Usually, patients will be implanted with an intervertebral fusion cage which can bear direct axial load, maintain the height of intervertebral and foraminal space, and eventually helps the adjacent vertebrae to fuse together by osseointegration, ideally also through an osteoconductive or osteogenetic effect. Nevertheless, the compromise is that the mobility of those regions of the spine is reduced and it may transfer stress to the discs above and/or below the fused segment [4, 5]. In order to keep the flexibility of the spine, an artificial disc can be inserted into the degenerated disc space. This restores disc height, improves spine function, and helps to eliminate debilitating pain. Moreover, it maintains the body's ability to flex and extend [6]. Although this concept is good, there are scarce implants fulfil the demand to replace natural disc. Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the adjacent vertebrae, producing corresponding deformities under various loads to absorb shock energy and stabilize the spine. The structure of the natural spinal disk consists of a soft shock-absorbing nucleus pulposus, contained within a tough annulus fibrosus, held to the vertebrae above and below via cartilaginous end-plates [7]. Based on the structure of the natural disc, we have designed an artificial disc consisting of a flexible hydrogel base segment (PVA/PAAm) and a PVA sheath, sandwiched between two titanium endplates for bone fixation, with a mechanical response similar to that of a natural disc. We are now looking for a master student to optimise the crosslinking parameters and fabrication procedure of the artificial disc prosthesis. Objectives 1. Optimise the crosslinking process of PVA/PAAm hydrogel 2. Optimise the chemical anchor between hydrogel and titanium plate 3. Mechanical tests Tasks • Literature review • Experimental work • Write report Medical and Health Sciences Semester Project