PhD Position in Advanced Characterization of Soft and Hybrid Nanoparticles: Combining small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS)

PhD Position in Advanced Characterization of Soft and Hybrid Nanoparticles: Combining small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS)

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.

At Empa\’s Centre for X-ray Analytics, we investigate bio-nano assemblies from lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to polymer-based nanosystems using powerful analytical tools such as small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS). Our goal is to bring quantitative insights into how soft-matter systems self-assemble and function, with a particular emphasis on DNA/RNA-LNPs for next-generation gene therapeutics.

Your tasks

This PhD position is part of a larger EU-funded project focused on the metrological characterization of nanoparticles for healthcare and industrial applications.

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Develop and refine SAXS and FCCS methods to quantify size, concentration, density and internal structure of diverse nanoparticle systems.
• Investigate model particles such as liposomes, mesoporous silica and silver nanoparticles.
• Investigate RNA-LNP formulations for next-generation gene therapeutics, examining how lipid components and nucleic acids interact and self-assemble.
• Apply data analysis and modeling to deepen understanding of nanoparticle architectures, and contribute to standardization-relevant method development.
• Collaborate with academic partners and potential industrial contacts to implement, validate, and/or refine quantitative methods needed to overcome key challenges in nanoparticle characterization.

Your profile

• Master\’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biophysics, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong interest or background in soft matter, self-assembly, or nanoparticle systems (e.g., lipid- or polymer-based).
• Quantitative mindset with good data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Prior hands-on experience in scattering methods (SAXS, SANS) or correlation spectroscopy (FCS, FCCS) is a plus.
• Demonstrated competence in data analysis (e.g., in Python, MATLAB, or similar) or in analyzing scattering data is desirable.
• Proficiency in English (German is a plus).
• Enthusiasm to engage in multidisciplinary and international collaborations.

Our offer

We provide an international and stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure for personal and professional development. You will be employed full-time (three years with the potential extension by one additional year) at Empa St. Gallen in the Bio-Nano Assembly research group, which is part of the Center for X-ray Analytics, the Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles and the Laboratory for Biointerfaces. This dynamic environment in the ETH Domain offers state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and an ideal platform to advance your scientific career.

Starting Date: As soon as possible or upon agreement.

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.

Sarah Stüdli ,
Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner

Questions?

Dr. Silva Bruno
Junior Group leader
Center for X-ray Analytics

Your future place of work

Empa
Lerchenfeldstrasse 5
9014 St. Gallen

Empa as an employer

Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities

Creating added value for society

International, multicultural working environment

Freedom to create and develop

Culture of inclusion and respect

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