PhD Position in Molecular Microbiology of Bacterial Biofilms at Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland

Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland, invites applications for a fully funded PhD student position in molecular microbiology with a focus on bacterial biofilms in the research group of Prof. Knut Drescher. Application deadline: 15 November 2026.

Job Details

Company: Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland

Position: PhD student position in molecular microbiology with a focus on bacterial biofilms

Research Group: Prof. Knut Drescher

Location: Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland

Start Date: The position is available immediately or by mutual agreement.

Application Deadline: 15 November 2026

Project Details

The PhD project will investigate new emergent behaviors of biofilm communities that do not occur in isolated bacterial cells. It will use a variety of molecular tools to analyze, manipulate and perturb biofilms, with particular focus on transcriptomics, bacterial genetics and confocal microscopy methods for investigating cellular behaviors during biofilm growth and during infections.

The exact project is flexible and will be developed together with Prof. Knut Drescher depending on the strengths and interests of the PhD student. The successful candidate will also join the Swiss NCCR AntiResist consortium, with opportunities for scientific exchange with clinical and basic research partners.

Job Description

The research group of Prof. Knut Drescher (drescherlab.org) focuses on understanding the development and emergent properties of bacterial communities known as biofilms. Biofilms are antibiotic-tolerant bacterial communities that cause many chronic and acute infections in humans, and they are also a model system for multicellular organization in living systems.

The group’s projects use highly controlled laboratory experiments based on microfluidic growth systems for biofilms, and stem-cell-derived organoids and bioengineered tissues for infections. Recent discoveries include danger signals that trigger biofilm formation (Nature Microbiology 2025) and emergent behaviors of biofilms (Cell 2023), which form the basis for this PhD project.

Eligibility Criteria

A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a research thesis in molecular microbiology.

Required Skills

  • A strong academic background
  • Curiosity for multidisciplinary life sciences
  • Interest in working with molecular tools, genetics and microscopy
  • Proficiency in English is required.

Salary

A fully funded PhD contract according to the salary guidelines of the University of Basel and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Documents Required

  • CV (PDF)
  • Degree certificates and diplomas
  • Official transcripts
  • Swiss-converted academic grades
  • Summary of past research experience (thesis projects, rationale, contributions, publications)
  • Concise motivation statement for this PhD project
  • Contact details for 2 to 3 academic references
  • TOEFL or GRE certificates, if available (not mandatory)

How to Apply

Submit exclusively via the Biozentrum BIPED portal (application form for this PhD). Only applications submitted through the BIPED online form are accepted; email submissions are not evaluated.

  • Provide personal details, educational background and Swiss-converted academic grades.
  • Upload CV (PDF), degree certificates, diplomas and official transcripts.
  • Provide a summary of past research experience (thesis projects, rationale, contributions, publications).
  • Write a concise motivation statement for this PhD project.
  • Provide contact details for 2 to 3 academic references.

Applications can be saved and edited on the portal until the deadline, after which they are automatically submitted.

Additional Information

Informal Enquiries: [email protected]

About Biozentrum

The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world’s leading life sciences institutes, with 33 research groups and approximately 500 employees. It is a dynamic and international research community that has produced many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine as well as several Nobel Laureates. Basel is an international city with people from over 150 countries, located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, and is home to numerous biomedical research institutions offering outstanding training, networking and career-development opportunities.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Applications must be submitted through the BIPED online form by 15 November 2026.