PhD Position in Biofabrication and 3D BioPrinting

Injuries to the musculoskeletal system are widespread and can impact quality of life. The field of tissue engineering and bioprinting is constantly searching for new methods to create biomimetic tissue models which better replicate the organization of native tissues.  Here bioprinting strategies have the potential to revolutionize the functionality of tissues used in regenerative medicine.

The Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication Laboratory (Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong) within the Department of Health Sciences & Technolgy (D-HEST) at ETHZ in Zurich, Switzerland, uses bioprinting to produce tissues which address unmet clinical needs. The laboratory  has recently developed a light-based 3D printing technique, capable of creating topological cell guiding cues in large scaffolds (> centimeter scale) based on optical modulation instability effect and self-focusing effect on non-linear media (e.g., photosensitive resin). This allows for creating efficient cell guiding microstructures including microfilaments and microchannels in 3D hydrogel constructs within seconds.

The goal of this project is to further enhance the printing technique by incorporating 3 different wavelength lasers.  This new printer will be able to crosslink materials into 3D shapes using one of the wavelengths, whereas the other two wavelengths will be leveraged to optically stimulate the resident cells. 

• Design, assembly and validation of multiwave bioprojection system
• Establish and test software-hardware control of the system
• Optimization of light pattern and seamless multi-wavelength projection
• Optimization of safety, reliability and heat transfer properties of printer 
• Develop applications for the multichromatic printer

You have a diploma/M.Sc. degree in mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering with strong motivation to develop the hardware and software behind the next generation of 3D bioprinters. You will work on this project together with a biology PhD student, therefore strong interest in working on interdisciplinary, biomedical research questions is essential. The following skills are sought:

• Programming: Proficiency in python and understanding of basic software engineering (required)
• Mechatronics: Understanding of communication between devices and communication protocols such as Serial, I2C, UART, JTAG, SSH, FTP, SCP, VNC (required)
• Good knowledge of Linux operating system, especially in combination with Raspberry Pi operation and Arduino (recommended)
• Rapid prototyping (CAD and FDM printing) skills and ability to model heat dissipation, air and fluid flow (recommended)
• Physics and Optics: As the project is based on light-based biofabrication, basic understanding of optics, lasers and diffraction is useful (optional)
• Biomaterials and Chemistry:  Familiarity with common bioprinting materials and chemical principles is useful but not required (optional)
• Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• An open and collaborative research environment
• Access to and training in cutting-edge methodologies and instrumentation
• Possibilities to develop entrepreneural skills and training