Doctoral Student in Environmental Bioengineering
Investigate how bacterial chemotaxis accelerates plasmid transfer and the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Best for:Best for engineers with prototyping and instrumentation experience eager to apply technical skills to fundamental microbiological questions.
Overview
ETH Zurich's Environmental Microfluidics Group offers a fully funded doctoral position focused on the intersection of engineering and microbiology. The selected candidate will build novel instrumentation to study how bacterial chemotaxis and fluid dynamics influence plasmid conjugation in aquatic chemical hotspots. Operating under the supervision of Prof. Roman Stocker, the PhD student will design experimental assays, track fluorescent bacteria via microscopy, and generate data to support mathematical models of microbial evolution. Applicants should hold a relevant Master's degree in engineering or physics and possess strong prototyping or instrumentation skills.
What you'll do
- Design, fabricate, and characterize custom instrumentation coupling chemotaxis assays with controlled shear systems using 3D printing and mechanical design.
- Execute chemotaxis and bacterial conjugation experiments utilizing diverse strains, chemoattractants, and quantitative measurement tools such as flow cytometry.
- Capture and analyze fluorescence microscopy imagery of migrating bacteria and chemical plumes using automated data-processing pipelines.
- Test environmental and clinical bacterial isolates to evaluate the real-world potential of chemotaxis-driven resistance dissemination.
- Provide empirical datasets to collaborate with researchers developing mathematical models of plasmid spread.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc degree in bioengineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, physics or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; fluent oral and written proficiency required
Instruction: English
- Practical experience in prototyping and manufacturing such as CAD, 3D printing, or machining
- Proficiency in English with strong oral and written communication skills
- Drive to conduct interdisciplinary research within an international academic team
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-15 · open until filled
Submit your application exclusively through the official online portal by the specified deadline. Ensure all requested academic credentials and reference documents are uploaded in the required format as email submissions are not accepted.
- CV
- Cover letter
- BSc + MSc transcripts
- Copy of Master’s or Bachelor’s thesis
- 3 reference letters
Contact
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