PhD Student in Molecular Microbiology of Bacterial Biofilms

Investigate emergent bacterial biofilm behaviors using microfluidics, transcriptomics, and confocal microscopy at the University of Basel.

Best for:Best for molecular biologists with a master's degree and a strong research background in microbiology, genetics, or microscopy.

University of Basel · Basel, Switzerland · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at University of Basel

Bacterial BiofilmsMolecular MicrobiologyTranscriptomicsConfocal MicroscopyMicrofluidics

Deadline

Nov 12, 2026

25 days

Funding

—

Start date

Immediately or by mutual agreement

Full-time

Location

Basel

Switzerland

Overview

The Biozentrum of the University of Basel invites applications for a fully funded PhD student position in molecular microbiology, focusing on bacterial biofilms within the research group of Prof. Knut Drescher. The successful candidate will investigate new emergent behaviors of biofilm communities using advanced molecular tools, genetics, transcriptomics, and confocal microscopy. This role provides an opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary environment and participate in the Swiss NCCR AntiResist consortium. Candidates are expected to collaborate flexibly on project design and contribute actively to the institute's vibrant international research community.

PhD studentbacterial biofilmsmolecular microbiologytranscriptomicsconfocal microscopybacterial communitiesAntiResist

What you'll do

Design and execute controlled laboratory experiments examining emergent behaviors in bacterial biofilm communities
Utilize molecular tools, genetics, and transcriptomics to analyze and perturb biofilms during growth and infection models
Perform high-resolution confocal microscopy to investigate cellular behaviors within biofilms
Collaborate with lab members and consortium partners within the Swiss NCCR AntiResist network
Analyze large datasets and contribute to scientific publications and presentations

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree with a research thesis in molecular microbiology or a closely related discipline

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English proficiency for scientific communication and writing

Instruction: English

Required skills

Demonstrated research experience in molecular microbiology
Hands-on background in bacterial genetics and molecular biology techniques
Familiarity with transcriptomics and data analysis workflows
Practical experience with confocal microscopy or similar imaging modalities

Nice to have

Prior experience working with microfluidic systems or biofilm modelsBackground in biophysics or handling large dataset analysisExperience with mammalian tissue or organoid infection models

Eligibility

Open to international applicants holding a qualifying Master's degree

Funding & terms

Type

Unknown

Amount

—

Duration

—

Programme

Swiss NCCR AntiResist

University of Basel / Swiss NCCR AntiResist

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-12 (Europe/Zurich)

Applicants must submit their application exclusively through the online application form provided by the Biozentrum. Informal inquiries can be directed via email to Professor Knut Drescher.

Documents required