PhD student position in Glycobiology of Lymphatic Vessels
The glycocalyx, a carbohydrate-rich coat of cell surfaces, plays crucial roles in the dynamic cell-cell interactions that underly mammalian immune responses. Immune cell migration and the establishment of macrophage populations in the lymph node rely on the glycocalyces of the specialized endothelial cells that form the high endothelial venules and the lymphatic sinuses. This PhD project aims to elucidate how specific protein-bound carbohydrates, namely the core-1-derived O-glycans, shape the lymphatic endothelial cell glycocalyx and its recognition by myeloid immune cells.
The successful candidate will:
* Learn to work with mice and isolate lymph nodes for microscopy and primary cell culture
* Characterize the glycocalyx of lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) isolated from mouse lymph nodes using mass spectrometry and bioinformatic analyses (in collaboration with partners at ETH and in the USA)
* Investigate the underlying mechanisms for the altered composition of the LEC glycocalyx upon loss of core-1-derived O-glycans using FACS and Western blot as well as ELISA of culture supernatants
* Investigate cell-cell interactions of LEC with immune cells in lymph node tissues using immunofluorescence and advanced microscopic techniques
* Study LEC- immune cell interactions in vitro
* Present her/his project plans and research results to diverse audiences in both oral and written formats
* Contribute to the teaching and lab activities within the Pharmaceutical Immunology group of Prof. C. Halin at ETH Zurich
Profile
* We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student who is an independent thinker, eager to learn, and ready to take responsibility for her/his experiments and scientific development
* Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Biology, Biomedicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related Life Science discipline
* The ideal candidate is curiosity-driven, creative, open-minded and capable of working independently
* Fluency in English and strong communication skills are essential
* Candidates should also be willing to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, both at ETH and internationally
* The start date is at the beginning of 2026 (with room for negotiation)
We offer
* A stimulating, supportive, and international research environment within the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at ETH Zurich
* Access to state-of-the art facilities and technologies
* Collaborations with multidisciplinary teams at ETH Zurich, Harvard Medical School and Yale University
* The opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge research project at the intersection of vascular cell biology, glycobiology, and immunology
* A competitive salary and employment conditions in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations
* The workplace will be atETH Zurich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
* A motivation letter explaining your interests (max. 1 page)
* Your CV (max. 2 pages)
* Diploma transcripts (MSc and BSc) from which the grades are evident
* The names and addresses (including e-mail and phone number) of 2 references
Questions regarding the position should be directed to PD Dr. Vivianne Otto,vivianne.otto@pharma.ethz.ch(no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising inscience and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledgeinto society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find ouruniversity to be a place that promotes independent thinking and anenvironment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,yet forging connections all over the world, we work together todevelop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
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