Faculty of MedicineOpen OpportunitiesThe 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
| Join a dynamic research team at the intersection of biomechanics, tissue engineering, and cell biology. This project offers hands-on training in state-of-the-art methods to investigate how tendon tissue responds to injury, disease processes, and mechanical stimulation during exercise-based therapy. - Biomedical Engineering
- Master Thesis
| In this project, you will explore how cells generate mechanical forces using confocal traction force microscopy (cTFM). The project combines experimental techniques, such as cell culturing, quantum dot array printing, and live-cell confocal imaging, together with computational data analysis using the open-source tool Cellogram. By growing cells on deformable substrates and tracking the displacement of fluorescent quantum dots, students will quantify the traction forces that individual cells exert on their environment. - Biology, Engineering and Technology, Information, Computing and Communication Sciences
- Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Are you interested in what a cell look like in nanometer scale? Do you want to see how the cell behaves in real time?
Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) is the non-contact SPM technology to image live cells based on glass capillaries with a nanometric aperture. It applies a voltage and measures the ionic current flowing through the pipette above the sample in the buffer solution: the recorded current represents the feedback signal to measure the topography of the sample. This project aims to characterize a state of the art high-speed SICM to enable time-resolved live cell imaging, and do the live cell imaging on human primary keratinocytes to study the related disease. - Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Information, Computing and Communication Sciences, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nanotechnology
- Master Thesis
| We will build an imager based on near-infrared optical tomography (NIROT) that is able to non-invasively image brain oxygenation in preterm and term neonates. Wanted: Ph.D. student: an electrical engineer/physicist with a Masters Degree and profound knowledge in hardware (PCB design, FPGA, optical components) and software (C, C++, Matlab, VHDL) engineering. - Biomedical Engineering
- PhD Placement
| The repetitive and high-impact nature of the golf swing may contribute to lower spine degeneration and chronic low back pain. This project aims to analyze the biomechanical loading of the lumbar spine during the golf swings through advanced motion capture and modeling techniques. A high-fidelity golf simulator combined with a mobile phone-based motion capture system will be used to evaluate swing mechanics. In Part A, state-of-the-art pose estimation models will be tested for their accuracy in extracting 3D motion data from monocular videos. In part B, biomechanical analysis will integrate pose data into an individualized OpenSim model to estimate spinal joint reaction forces and muscle activity. The ultimate goal is to develop a smartphone-based tool capable of real-time swing analysis to provide insight into injury prevention and technique optimization for golfers. - Artificial Intelligence and Signal and Image Processing, Biomechanical Engineering
- Master Thesis
| Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates in intensive care units, making early prediction crucial for timely interventions. This project explores Bayesian networks as an interpretable alternative to traditional machine learning models for ARDS risk prediction. By leveraging counterfactual explanations and interventional machine learning, we aim to identify actionable ventilator settings that could reduce ARDS risk. The analysis will use real-world ICU data from the University Hospital of Zurich and be externally validated on public datasets. This work bridges AI, causal inference, and clinical decision-making to enhance patient care. - Clinical Engineering, Medical and Health Sciences
- Course Project, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| This project focuses on enhancing SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) in operating rooms using event cameras, which outperform traditional cameras in dynamic range, motion blur, and temporal resolution. By leveraging these capabilities, the project aims to develop a robust, real-time SLAM system tailored for surgical environments, addressing challenges like high-intensity lighting and head movement-induced motion blur. - Engineering and Technology, Information, Computing and Communication Sciences
- Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Join our research on developing a non-invasive microfluidic device for continuous biomarker monitoring in preterm infants to eliminate the need for blood sampling. This project focuses on optimizing a probe's membrane permeability through in vitro diffusion experiments to improve microdialysis technique and neonatal healthcare. - Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Our lab offers several master projects. Interested students can choose between projects associated with:
(1) Smooth Muscle Cell Characterization and Functional Assays (2) Therapies and Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer
(3) Understanding Immunosuppression in the Prostate Cancer Microenvironment
(4) Investigating the Effects of Oncogene Addiction on Prostate Cancer Metastasis
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