Student Projects
Exploring the 3D Mineralization Behavior in Material-Induced Osteoinduction Through a Multiscale Micro-CT Imaging Approach
The project aims at investigating material-induced osteoinduction using the available mouse model of orthotopic or ectopic bone graft substitute (BGS) application. Through the 3D-3D registration of ex vivo and in vivo multiscale micro-CT images, crucial 3D mineralization behavior of the BGS can be investigated.
Keywords
Femur, Bone Graft Substitute, Critical Size Defect, Osteoinduction, in vivo, micro-CT, 3D-3D Image Registration, Image Analysis, Image Processing, Python, Computational
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-11 , Earliest start: 2025-04-01 , Latest end: 2026-01-31
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Lindenmann Sara
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Part-time Job at a MedTech Startup: Implementation of Wheelchair Durability Testing Infrastructure
Versive, an ETH Spinoff in formation, is developing innovative manual wheelchairs using their disruptive "steering-by-leaning" principle (as seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrJFH3MLlaw ). Currently, we're planning a market launch at the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027. As part of an iterative design process, we need to be able to run essential durability tests ensuring a quick CE marking (medical device class 1) procedure later on. Besides static stability, flammability and biocompatibility, the ISO tests require mechanical durability testing. These include a rolling test (several days on a roller, under load) as well as a drop test (6666 drops from 15cm, fully loaded). For this, we are looking to implement our own testing infrastructure.
Keywords
Wheelchair, Steering-by-Leaning, Testing, Test Bench, ISO Testing, CE Mark, MedTech, Assistive Technology, Startup
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Collaboration , Internship , Lab Practice , Student Assistant / HiWi
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Published since: 2025-01-29 , Earliest start: 2025-02-01 , Latest end: 2025-06-30
Organization Taylor Group / Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics
Hosts Togni Reto
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Combining Melt electrowritten tubular scaffolds with gels towards a vascular graft
In this project we would like to further explore if we can use our established Melt electrowritten tubular scaffolds and combine them with gels toward the application for vascular grafts. Melt electrowritten scaffolds allow us to finely control the wall geometry, which leads to controlled mechanical properties as well as porosity. However there are some limitations with this technology. This is where the addition of gels in the scaffold wall could benefit with porosity control, leackage as well as possible cell growth benefits. Therefore we would like to investigate which gel would be viable for the application of a vascular graft based on mechanical and biological needs. We would find possible solutions to combine MEW scaffolds with gels and practically try different methods. Once a protocol(s) are established we would perform quantitative and mechanical characterisation and compare it to MEW only scaffolds as well as native tissues.
Keywords
Melt electrowriting, Electrospinning, vascular grafts, scaffold production, mechanical tests, additive manufacturing, gels, hydrogels
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-01-13 , Earliest start: 2025-01-12 , Latest end: 2025-10-31
Organization Tissue Mechanobiology
Hosts Pizorn Jaka
Topics 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: 2025-01-10 , Earliest start: 2024-12-01 , Latest end: 2025-06-30
Organization Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Hosts Caimi Alice
Topics Engineering and Technology
Characterising mechanical properties of tubular scaffolds for artificial blood vessels manufactured by melt electrowriting
While we have performed some basic mechanical tests to characterize Melt electrowritten tubular scaffolds, we would like to add other mechanical tests, based on ASTM standards, that would further allow us to have a better insight into mechanical properties of MEW scaffolds as well as to compare them to other vascular grafts as well as native tissues. Therefore we are searching for a motivated student who can see themself performing practical work producing tubular scaffolds as well as implementing mechanical tests.
Keywords
Melt electrowriting, Electrospinning, vascular grafts, scaffold production, mechanical tests, additive manufacturing
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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-01-10 , Earliest start: 2025-01-12 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Tissue Mechanobiology
Hosts Pizorn Jaka
Topics Engineering and Technology
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: 2025-01-03 , 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
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: 2024-12-24 , 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.
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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: 2024-12-19 , Earliest start: 2022-08-01 , Latest end: 2025-11-30
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Steffi Chris
Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology
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
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
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