Postdoctoral, PhD and MS positions at the TAY LAB

Postdoctoral positions

We are looking for postdocs who fit the following profiles:

1) A biologist/computational biologist who has experience with cell signaling and the systems biological approach. This person will have the privilege of using a state-of-the-art high-throughput microfluidic cell culture system at Tay Lab to investigate NF-kappaB dynamics in single cells. This system was previously used to generate the following paper: "Single-cell NF-kappaB dynamics reveal digital activation and analogue information processing", Tay et al. Nature 466, 267-271 (pdf).

2) An engineer or physicist who has experience with microfluidics and its biological applications. The focus of this position will be developing microfluidic/optofluidic systems for single-cell analysis in systems biology and biomedical applications.

In all cases, a strong publication record is expected.

ETH Zurich provides excellent benefits and a very competitive salary.

The position will start in Spring 2012. Motivated and energetic candidates should send research interests, full CV including details of experimental and computational skills, publications, and contact information for 3 references  to: savas.tay AT gmail.com

PhD student position

Applications are invited for an opening at the Systems Biology and Bioengineering Group with Professor Savas Tay. The following paper is an example of our current research: "Single-cell NF-kappaB dynamics reveal digital activation and analogue information processing", Tay et al. Nature 466, 267-271 (pdf). Also see the following reviews on this research:

Nature web focus on biological noise

Biotechniques.com: in signaling, not all cells are equal

ETH Zurich is the top ranked research university in continental Europe, offering an excellent environment for innovative and collaborative research across disciplines. Our department is strategically located in Basel, a major European hub of biomedical research. We are in an excellent position to collaborate with various departmental groups on synthetic biology, epigenetics, developmental biology, computational biology and bioengineering. Furthermore, main ETH campus, nearby Friedrich Mischer Institute, Biozentrum at the University of Basel, and pharmaceutical industry will provide ample collaborations on immunology, cancer research, drug development and instrumentation. Our alumni can expect to acquire a wide range of skills, to publish high-impact papers in systems biology and engineering, and be in an excellent position to transition into academic or industrial careers.

We are looking for a student who has experience in one of the following areas: cell signaling-systems biology, microfluidics, bio-instrumentation or computational modeling of signaling pathways. Relevant skills are mammalian cell culture techniques, multilayer soft lithography, cleanroom microfabication techniques, computerized control of instruments and electronics. Experience with Matlab programming is desired. ETH Zurich requires that you hold a Masters degree to join the PhD program. Applications are done directly to the professor. Language of education and research is English.

Highly motivated, dedicated and energetic students who fit the above mentioned profile should send an application package with research interests, full CV with experimental and computational skills listed in detail, names and contact information of 3 references in a single PDF file to Savas Tay (savas.tay AT bsse.ethz.ch).

Postdoctoral fellowship opportunities

Postdoctoral researchers who wish to join our lab are also encouraged to apply to the ETH or SystemsX postdoctoral fellowships.

ETH and SystemsX fellowships are quite prestigious and carry a good salary. The decisions are made within 3 months latest. Postdocs interested in pursuing this direction should contact Savas Tay a month before the deadlines below:

ETH postdoctoral fellowship can be in any field, and the deadlines are March 1, Sept 1 of every year. More information can be found below:

http://www.vpf.ethz.ch/services/ETH_Fellows/

Systems X postdoc positions are typically for computational biologists who are willing to pursue research in systems biology, be it experimental or computational. Deadlines are announced in current calls for proposals, and are typically in January. More info:

http://www.systemsx.ch/projects/systemsxch-projects/

In all cases, the sole criteria is excellence in scientific research evidenced by strong publications. Motivated and energetic candidates should send research interests, full CV including details of experimental and computational skills, publications, names and contact information for 3 references in PDF to: savas.tay AT gmail.com

MS student positions

We are interested in working with highly motivated and energetic MS students from a variety of backgrounds, including Biotechnology, Engineering, Physics, Biology, and Computer Science. Projects on microfluidics, single-cell analysis, cell signaling and biosensors are available. Highly motivated, dedicated and energetic students interested in doing their thesis work at Tay Group should send their CV to Savas Tay (savas.tay AT bsse.ethz.ch). Note: MS students are self-funded at ETH Zurich (unfortunately our group can not provide financial assistance for MS students). Exceptional candidates are encouraged to apply to the Masters Excellence scholarship which covers tuition and monthly stipend up to CHF 1700. More information can be found at

http://www.rektorat.ethz.ch/students/finance/scholarship/excellence/index_EN