Student Projects
Pre-clinical mechanical evaluation of a novel spinal implant
Background: Lower back pain is one of the most prevalent health issues in Switzerland, with severe socio-economic consequences and a leading cause of reduced work performance. Approximately 20% of spinal fusion surgeries performed using off-the-shelf implants result in the surgical outcome being compromised post-operatively, often requiring one or more revision surgeries to address the associated pain. The Laboratory of Orthopedic Technology has recently developed a novel spinal implant using topology optimization, which is currently undergoing a feasibility study for clinical applications. We are seeking a master’s student who is passionate about medical devices and mechanical design and testing to join us for a semester project or master thesis. In this role, you will gain insight into the spinal surgery process, receive input from surgeons, and contribute to the mechanical design and testing of the implant. Objectives: • Perform the CT scan on animal vertebrae • Evaluate the influence of implant placement/location variability • Mechanical testing on the implant • Develop surgical tools if needed Your Profile: • Strong knowledge in mechanical design and drawing skills. • Hands-on and detail-oriented. • Experience with SolidWorks or Fusion 360, as well as Python or Matlab. Timeframe: Spring semester in 2025
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-11-20 , Earliest start: 2025-01-01 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Bone Pathologies and Treatment
Hosts Du Xiaoyu
Topics Medical and Health Sciences
Untersuchung einer innovativen Bürodrehstuhlmechanik: Analyse des Sitzverhaltens mittels IMUs
In dieser Nutzerstudie soll eine neue Bürostuhlmechanik untersucht werden, die dynamisches Sitzverhalten fördern soll. Ziel der Studie ist es, die Nutzung des Stuhls im Büroalltag zu analysieren und die Ergebnisse mit denen herkömmlicher Bürostühle zu vergleichen. Dabei werden Bewegungssensoren (IMUs) eingesetzt, um detaillierte Bewegungsdaten von Sitz- und Rückenlehnen zu erfassen. Die Arbeit bietet spannende Einblicke in die Anwendung von biomechanischen Messmethoden und die Analyse von Bewegungsdaten im Büroalltag.
Keywords
sitting behavior, IMU, low back pain, dynamic sitting
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-11-19 , Earliest start: 2024-11-25 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Sports Biomechanics Group
Hosts Zemp Roland, Dr.
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Collagen volumetric (bio)printing
We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student with a background in mechanical engineering, chemistry, or biomedical engineering to join our interdisciplinary research team focused on advancing collagen volumetric printing (Master thesis level). Collagen, a major structural protein in the extracellular matrix, is integral to tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility and ability to support cell growth [1]. Traditional 3D bioprinting methods, such as layer-based or extrusion-based printing, are often hindered by long processing times, making them less suitable for cell-laden collagen printing. Volumetric printing, an emerging technology, offers a rapid method for constructing 3D collagen scaffolds [2]. However, this approach faces challenges in achieving high fidelity and resolution at the centimeter scale, primarily due to issues with energy contrast during the printing process, which can lead to overpolymerization and compromise the quality of the constructs [3]. Additionally, the resulting structures often have lower stiffness, risking mechanical integrity during post-processing [4]. This project aims to address these challenges by investigating biocompatible free radical photoinhibitors to enhance energy contrast and improve the fidelity of collagen volumetric printing, alongside strategies to strengthen the mechanical properties of the printed structures.
Keywords
Collagen, Volumetric printing, Photopolymerization
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-11-08 , Earliest start: 2025-01-06 , Latest end: 2025-07-07
Organization Zenobi-Wong Group / Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication
Hosts Zenobi-Wong Marcy
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
Master thesis project - Association between spinal loads and dynamic postural changes in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis during forward flexion
Understanding the differences in spine kinematics between patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and those with healthy spines, along with the implications for spinal loading, could shed light on the pathophysiology of this disease and contribute to the development of more effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies. To estimate spinal loads, a novel full-body musculoskeletal model developed in AnyBody Modeling System will be used. This model will be customized to reflect subject-specific spinal alignment and will be driven by kinematic data obtained from in vivo motion-capture measurements. Inverse dynamics simulations of patient-specific spinal postures and forward flexion trials will be performed to estimate the corresponding loads.
Keywords
Spine biomechanics, musculoskeletal modeling, motion capture, movement analysis, lumbar spinal stenosis, functional evaluation
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-10-21 , Earliest start: 2024-10-13 , Latest end: 2025-04-30
Organization Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Hosts Caimi Alice
Topics Medical and Health Sciences
Exploring the Mechanoregulation of Bone Regeneration
In over 100 years, the remarkable ability of bone to adapt to its mechanical environment has been a source of scientific fascination. Bone regeneration has been shown to be highly dependent on the mechanical environment at the fracture site. It has been demonstrated that mechanical stimuli can either accelerate or impede regeneration. Despite the fundamental importance of the mechanical environment in influencing bone regeneration, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are complex and poorly understood.
Keywords
Bone, Mechanobiology, Spatial transcriptomics, Gene expression, Finite element modelling, Image processing
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-10-21 , Earliest start: 2024-11-01 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Mathavan Neashan
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Master thesis project - Biomechanical relationships between spinal loads and kinematic parameters in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis during walking
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal, resulting in compression of the nerve roots or cauda equina. Patients with LSS often exhibit altered spinal kinematics and compensatory movement patterns, which can increase paraspinal muscle activity and segmental loads. This study aims to estimate the spinal loads in LSS patients using an advanced full-body musculoskeletal model within the AnyBody Modeling System, incorporating patient-specific motion-capture data. Gaining a deeper understanding of the differences in spinal kinematics between LSS patients and healthy individuals, and their effects on spinal loading, could inform more effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
Keywords
Spine biomechanics, musculoskeletal multi-body modeling, inverse dynamics simulation, motion capture, computational study, gait
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-10-10 , Earliest start: 2024-12-01 , Latest end: 2025-06-30
Organization Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Hosts Caimi Alice
Topics Engineering and Technology
Master Thesis position in micro-tissue chip development
The Biomaterials Engineering (BME) group of Professor Xiao-Hua Qin is recruiting 1-2 Master Thesis students in micro-tissue chip development.
Keywords
micro-devices, tissue engineering, biomechanics, bone, additive manufacturing
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IDEA League Student Grant (IDL) , Semester Project , Lab Practice , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-10-03 , Earliest start: 2024-10-01 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Qin Group / Biomaterials Engineering
Hosts Qin Xiao-Hua, Prof. Dr.
Topics Engineering and Technology
Unravelling the spatial and biomechanical dynamic of fracture healing in mice
Fracture healing is a complex process that involves inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone remodeling. The remodelling process helps maintain bone density, repair micro-damage that occurs due to everyday activities, and adapt bones to the specific needs of an individual's body. Mechanical loading is a crucial factor in the regulation of fracture healing. The forces and strains experienced by the bone during everyday activities influence the cellular responses, callus formation, bone deposition, remodelling, and, ultimately, the successful recovery of the fractured bone. The mechanisms underlying spatial cell reorganization during loading, which contributes to fracture healing, remain unclear. The project aims to investigate and explore the fracture healing process of mice using spatial transcriptome changes in response to mechanical loading. By shedding light on this aspect, the project aims to contribute to the broader understanding of fracture healing and potentially pave the way for more effective treatment strategies in the future.
Keywords
Spatial transcriptomics, Dimensionality reduction, Spatial expression pattern, Spatial interaction, Cell Segmentation and Visualization, Fracture healing, Bone
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IDEA League Student Grant (IDL) , Semester Project , Course Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH for Development (ETH4D) (ETHZ) , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-10-01 , Earliest start: 2024-03-07 , Latest end: 2024-08-01
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Singh Amit
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Mathematical Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology , Physics
Hight-to-low Resolution Image Registration for Investigation of Multiscale Osteocyte Lacunar Properties in Osteoporosis
The project aims at investigating the influence of osteoporosis and the effect of different pharmacological treatments and mechanical loading on osteocyte lacunar properties and void spaces in vertebral bone in 3D. This can be achieved by registering high (1.2 µm) to low (10.5 µm) resolution microCT images and running morphological analyses.
Keywords
Murine vertebra, trabecular bone, 3D-3D image registration, image analysis, python programming, computational project
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-09-26 , Earliest start: 2024-11-01 , Latest end: 2025-06-30
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Lindenmann Sara
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Unraveling Calcium Dynamics and Immune Interactions in Bone Graft Substitute Environments through Advanced Ratiometric Imaging
This project endeavors to explore the dynamic interplay among calcium ions, bone graft substitutes, and resident immune cells in both orthotopic and ectopic environments, employing advanced ratiometric imaging techniques.
Keywords
Bone Graft Substitute, Calcium, Ratiometric Imaging, Immune Cells, in vitro, in vivo, Intravital Microscopy
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-09-24 , Earliest start: 2024-10-01 , Latest end: 2025-06-30
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Wissmann Stefanie
Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology
Development of a Heterocellular Human Bone Organoid for Precision Medicine and Treatment
Our goal is to establish a heterocellular 3D printed bone organoid model comprising all major bone cell types (osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts) to recapitulate bone remodeling units in an in vitro system. The organoids will be produced with the human cells, as they could represent human pathophysiology better than animal models, and eventually could replace them. These in vitro models could be used in the advancement of next-generation personalised treatment strategies. Our tools are different kinds of 3D bioprinting platforms, bio-ink formulations, hydrogels, mol-bioassays, and time-lapsed image processing of micro-CT scans.
Keywords
3D printing, bone organoids, co-culture, bioreactor, hydrogels, drug testing
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-09-19 , Earliest start: 2022-08-01 , Latest end: 2024-08-31
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Steffi Chris
Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology
Design customized molds for manufacturing a novel joint implant and mechanical evaluation
The Laboratory of Orthopedic Technology has recently developed a novel joint implant and is undergoing optimization of the manufacturing process. We are looking for a master's student who is passionate about medical devices and mechanical design to join us for a semester project. Objectives: • Design different molds for material casting using SolidWorks or Fusion 360. • Optimize implant design using matlab or Python. • Mechanical testing of the implant including fatigue test. Your Profile: • Strong knowledge in mechanical design and drawing skills. • Hands-on and detail-oriented. • Experience with SolidWorks or Fusion 360, as well as Python or Matlab.
Keywords
mechanical design, implant, medical device, mold casting, SolidWorks, mechanical testing
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Semester Project , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-09-09 , Earliest start: 2024-09-09 , Latest end: 2024-12-31
Organization Bone Pathologies and Treatment
Hosts Du Xiaoyu
Topics Engineering and Technology
Optimize Hydrogel Performance for Cartilage Replacement
The Laboratory of Orthopedic Technology at ETH Zurich is currently optimizing the manufacturing process for a novel joint implant. We are looking for a master's student who is passionate about medical devices and polymer science to join our team for a semester project or master's thesis. Project Focus: The selected candidate will work on optimizing the performance of a hydrogel material that is a key component of the cartilage replacement implant. The project will involve: • Investigating polymer synthesis and formulation techniques to enhance hydrogel performance. • Developing testing protocols to evaluate the hydrogel’s effectiveness in mimicking natural cartilage behavior.
Keywords
Hydrogel, Polymer, Chemistry, Cartilage, Joint, Medical device
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-09-09 , Earliest start: 2024-09-10 , Latest end: 2025-03-31
Organization Bone Pathologies and Treatment
Hosts Du Xiaoyu
Topics Chemistry
In Silico micro-Multiphysics Agent-Based Modelling of Bone Regeneration and Adaptation
Develop and test a micro-Multiphysics Agent-Based (micro-MPA) model to simulate cellular interactions and mechanical stimuli during bone regeneration and adaptation.
Keywords
In silico, agent-based, computational, bone regeneration, bone adaptation, simulation
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-09-06 , Earliest start: 2024-09-15 , Latest end: 2025-02-13
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Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Kendall Jack
Topics Engineering and Technology
Internship opportunity at the AO Research Institute Davos
Despite recent advances in the field of 3D bioprinting and implantable biomaterials, there still is a clear need of versatile materials for a large spectrum of musculoskeletal applications. Implanted biomaterials available in the field could be improved by simultaneous: i) appropriate adhesion to tissues in vivo, ii) controlled degradation matching the desired tissue regeneration outcome; and iii) allowing tissue deposition and replacement by enabling controlled cellular invasion from neighbouring tissues (Figure 1). The main complexity in the development of functional inks is that the materials, usually biopolymeric hydrogels need a narrow and somewhat opposite set of physical and biological properties which allow for the degradation, adhesion as well as cellular invasion, whilst maintaining accurate printing (e.g. shape fidelity) and cellular viability and proliferation.
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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-08-26 , Earliest start: 2024-09-02 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Hosts D'Este Matteo
Topics Engineering and Technology
Foot placement control in people with Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative movement disorders affecting over 10 million people worldwide. Symptoms like impaired gait and postural instability can cause falls and highly impair patients’ mobility. The consequences of falls include fractures, hospital admissions, loss of independence, fear of falls, social isolation and early mortality. Falls are cited as one of the worst aspects of PD and unfortunately few efficacious interventions are available.
Keywords
Fall risk, Biomechanics, Parkinson's disease, Gait analysis
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-08-20 , Earliest start: 2024-07-08
Organization Neuromuscular Biomechanics
Hosts Lang Charlotte
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Calibration Methods for Dual-Plane Fluoroscope: Ensuring Precision in Image Acquisition
In the realm of biomechanics and medical imaging, accurate and reliable data is the cornerstone of insightful research and effective clinical practice. Dual-plane fluoroscopy, a powerful tool for capturing dynamic 3D joint kinematics, offers unparalleled precision by minimizing soft-tissue artifacts. However, the accuracy of the final image acquisition is heavily dependent on meticulous calibration processes. Without proper calibration, the data captured can be misleading, leading to incorrect interpretations and outcomes. This project proposal invites students to explore and refine the key calibration techniques essential for dual-plane fluoroscopy, with a focus on distortion calibration, source-intensifier calibration, and inter-plane calibration. Mastery of these calibration techniques is critical to ensuring the integrity of experimental results and advancing the field of medical imaging.
Keywords
Fluoroscopy, Calibration, X-ray, Biomechanics, Image Acquisition, Distortion Correction, Source-Intensifier Alignment, Inter-Plane Calibration.
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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-08-11 , Earliest start: 2024-08-12 , Latest end: 2025-09-01
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Taylor Group / Dual-Plane Fluoroscope
Hosts Wang Jinhao
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Physics
PhD position in meta-biomaterials synthesis and 3D-printing
The Biomaterials Engineering (BME) group of Professor Xiao-Hua Qin is hiring a PhD student in advanced manufacturing of metamaterials.
Keywords
polymer chemistry, materials science, metamaterials, additive manufacturing
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PhD Placement , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-08-06 , Earliest start: 2024-09-01 , Latest end: 2025-01-01
Applications limited to EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , ETH Zurich , IBM Research Zurich Lab , Paul Scherrer Institute , Wyss Translational Center Zurich , University of Zurich , University of Geneva , University of Berne , University of Basel , Empa , Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen , European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , Ludwig Maximilians Universiy Munich , Max Planck Society , TU Dresden , Universität Ulm , TU Darmstadt , TU Berlin , Technische Universität München , Technische Universität Hamburg , RWTH Aachen University , University of Erlangen-Nuremberg , University of Hamburg , University of Konstanz , Imperial College London , University of Cambridge , University of Oxford , University of Nottingham , UCL - University College London , Delft University of Technology , Radboud University Nijmegen , Utrecht University , European Molecular Biology Laboratory , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Peking University , Princeton University , Technical University of Denmark , The University of Tokyo , University of California, Berkeley , University of Toronto , Yale University , Uppsala Universitet , University of California, San Diego , National University of Singapore , IDEA League , Harvard , Stanford University , The University of Edinburgh , Tsinghua University , Université de Strasbourg , University of Queensland , The University of Melbourne
Organization Qin Group / Biomaterials Engineering
Hosts Qin Xiao-Hua, Prof. Dr.
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
PhD position in tissue microfabrication
The Biomaterials Engineering (BME) group of Professor Xiao-Hua Qin is hiring an ERC-funded PhD student in tissue microfabrication.
Keywords
micro-devices, tissue engineering, biomechanics, bone, additive manufacturing
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PhD Placement , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-08-05 , Earliest start: 2024-09-01 , Latest end: 2025-01-01
Applications limited to EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , ETH Zurich , IBM Research Zurich Lab , Paul Scherrer Institute , Wyss Translational Center Zurich , University of Zurich , University of Geneva , University of Berne , University of Basel , Empa , Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen , European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , Ludwig Maximilians Universiy Munich , Max Planck Society , TU Dresden , Universität Ulm , TU Darmstadt , TU Berlin , Technische Universität München , Technische Universität Hamburg , RWTH Aachen University , University of Erlangen-Nuremberg , University of Hamburg , University of Konstanz , Imperial College London , University of Cambridge , University of Oxford , University of Nottingham , UCL - University College London , Delft University of Technology , Radboud University Nijmegen , Utrecht University , European Molecular Biology Laboratory , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Peking University , Princeton University , Technical University of Denmark , The University of Tokyo , University of California, Berkeley , University of Toronto , Yale University , Uppsala Universitet , University of California, San Diego , National University of Singapore , IDEA League , Harvard , Stanford University , The University of Edinburgh , Tsinghua University , Université de Strasbourg , University of Queensland , The University of Melbourne
Organization Qin Group / Biomaterials Engineering
Hosts Qin Xiao-Hua, Prof. Dr.
Topics Engineering and Technology
Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics (Prof. Ralph Müller)
The Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics aims at providing a bridge between biologists, who have brought molecular and cellular components within the realm of engineering, and engineers, who have brought the methods of measurement, analysis, synthesis, and control within the realm of molecular and cell biology.
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Internship , Lab Practice , ETH Amgen Scholars Program (ETHZ)
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Published since: , Earliest start: 2025-07-01 , Latest end: 2025-09-03
Organization Institute for Biomechanics
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Topics Engineering and Technology
Biomaterials Engineering Group (Prof.Xiao-Hua Qin)
Our mission is to design, synthesize, and engineer novel biomaterials with tailored biophysical and biochemical properties to create 3D miniature human tissue and organoid models for disease modeling and drug discovery in the laboratory.
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Internship , Lab Practice , ETH Amgen Scholars Program (ETHZ)
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Published since: , Earliest start: 2025-07-01 , Latest end: 2025-09-03
Organization Institute for Biomechanics
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Topics Engineering and Technology
Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics (Prof. William Taylor)
The laboratory is an interdisciplinary research group that combines the expertise of engineers, human movement scientists, physicists, and sports scientists to understand and translate knowledge of human movement.
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Internship , Lab Practice , ETH Amgen Scholars Program (ETHZ)
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Published since: , Earliest start: 2025-07-01 , Latest end: 2025-09-03
Organization Institute for Biomechanics
Hosts Amgen Scholars Program Manager
Topics Medical and Health Sciences