Ph.D. student in the area of Microtechnical Engineering and Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Diagnostic Devices

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) invites applications for aPh.D Student in the area of Microtechnical Engineering and Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Diagnostic Devices, at the Institute of Digital Technologies for Personalised Healthcare (MeDiTech) within the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), located in Lugano.

The position is part of the international projectSMILE – Saliva-based Microfluidic “Lab-on-Chip” device for Paediatric Respiratory Viral Illness diagnostics, funded by theSwiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)and carried out in collaboration withEPFL,Swiss TPH, and theCentre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques (CSRS)in Côte d’Ivoire.

The degree of employment is 100%, with a contract starting on 01.02.2026, or on a mutually agreed date.

Duties and responsibilities

• Applied research activities in thedesign, modelling, and fabrication of integrated microfluidic devices for point-of-care diagnostics.
• Precision mechanical design of the device modules (pre-treatment and hybridization chambers, microfluidic channels and connectors) and of the mechanical interfaces with optical and bioimpedance sensors.
• Analysis and optimization of microfluidic flows (laminar regime, diffusion, mixing, volume and pressure control) through numerical simulation and experimental validation.
• Selection and characterization of hydrophilic and biocompatible materials (PDMS, polycarbonate, silica, resins) for microfabrication, including bonding and sealing techniques.
• Development and testing of fluidic actuation and control strategies (peristaltic, capillary or pressure-driven), in collaboration with the project partners.
• Contribution to themanufacturing and mechanical validation of prototypes and test benches, in synergy with EPFL (biosensors) and Swiss TPH (diagnostic validation).
• Preparation of technical documentation, project reports andscientific publications in English.

Requirements

Technical background and skills

• Master’s degree inMechanical Engineering, Microengineering, Mechatronics, Materials Science or related fields.
• Proven experience inprecision mechanical design and CAD/CAE modelling (preferably Siemens NX, ANSYS or equivalent).
• Basic knowledge ofmicrofluidic principles and microfabrication techniques (soft lithography, etching, molding, micromachining).
• Experimental experience withmechanical or microfluidic laboratory instrumentation (microscopy, syringe pumps, molds, flow chambers, measurement equipment).
• Familiarity withpolymeric and glass materials, adhesion and sealing methods, and their compatibility with biological fluids.

Soft skills

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international team, with a focus on practical experimentation and strong motivation for applied research.
• Projects writing and funds acquisition.
• Very good communication skills in spoken and written English.

Desirable but not strictly required

• Proven expertise in the field of biomedical technologies and medical devices.
• Knowledge of data analysis in Python and/or Matlab.

What SUPSI Offers

• Fixed-term employment contract.
• Fully funded Ph.D. scholarship.
• International working environment.
• Attractive salary in line with Swiss standards.
• Covering the costs of participation in high-profile conferences, and workshops.
• Opportunities to develop professional and scientific skills.

We value diversity

In all its actions, SUPSI guarantees an inclusive study and working environment that is accessible and respectful of all differences, in order to offer a high-quality university education to all. More about diversity and inclusionhere.

Application Process

Applications will only be considered if submitted electronically byDecember 29, 2025, through the dedicated application form. The following documents, written in English, must be included:

• A motivation letter (1-2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae and publications list (if available) and link to Master's thesis.
• Copies of academic certificates and transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees).

At leastthree references with e-mail contacts.

For further information, please contact:Dr. Igor Stefanini

Incomplete applications, those submitted to incorrect addresses, or those received after the deadline will not be considered. In addition to the required application documents, further documentation (such as a criminal record certificate or a copy of an identity document) may be requested at a later stage.