Phd Position in Interrogating Chirality at the Nanoscale

ETH Zurich Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering

Phd Position on Interrogating Chirality at the Nanoscale

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are seeking for a curious and motivated PhD student to join our bionanophotonics team and work at the interface between nanophotonics and digital holography to advance the interrogation of chiral systems down to the nanometer scale.Please enter text here

Project background

Chirality describes whether an object is non-superimposable with its mirror image. Despite being a purely geometric property, chirality plays a crucial role in all living systems as most biomolecules are chiral and their interactions with other chiral objects are fundamental to many key biological processes. Chiral molecules exist in two forms, a left-handed one and a right-handed one, known as enantiomers. Their handedness greatly influences molecular interactions, sometimes making the difference between a medical drug and a toxic substance. Therefore, methods for detecting, quantifying and separating enantiomers are critical to many fields, including biochemistry and pharmaceutics. However, standard methods are often not compatible with heterogeneous and spatially varying chiral samples.

Job description

This project aims to develop novel methods for studying chirality across different length scales and spectral ranges to extract key structural information that goes beyond enantiomer discrimination. You will work on both developing nanophotonic systems that enhance light chiral matter interactions and novel imaging systems that, when combined, unlock new understanding on chirality.

Profile

The successful candidate shares our passion for cutting edge research, brings in their motivation and creativity, can clearly communicate, enjoys working closely and respectfully within a team and has basic experience in hands-on lab work and in data analysis. Prior experience in optical imaging, nanofabrication, data processing is highly valued but not mandatory.

Workplace

We offer

We are an international and interdisciplinary research group at the ETH Zürich that has made pioneering contributions to nanophotonics and its application to the detection of optical chirality. During your PhD, you will get exposed to a multitude of technologies including nanofabrication, optics, spectroscopy, data analysis, and numerical simulations. 

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We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

  • Update CV
  • Motivation Letter

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Nanophotonic Systems Laboratory (NSL) can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Romain Quidant (rquidant@ethz.ch) and Dr. Jaime Ortega Arroyo (jarroyo@ethz.ch)

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
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