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Roman Stocker

1 year ago

PhD positions in living soft matter and biofilm research ETH Zürich in Switzerland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Microbiology

Funding

The PhD positions are fully funded for approximately 4 years, supported by a recently funded SNSF project. Funding covers salary and employment conditions as per ETH Zürich standards. Final admission to the doctoral programme follows a successful Aptitude Colloquium at the end of year 1; contracts are extended annually.

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

Switzerland

University

ETH Zürich

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Posted Yesterday

Keywords

Microbiology
Environmental Science
Materials Science
Biophysics
Biology
Rheology
Biofilm Formation
Multimodal Imaging
Soft Matter Physics
Microfluidic
Mechanic
Physics

About this position

The bioMatter Microfluidics Group led by Dr Eleonora Secchi at ETH Zürich is recruiting two PhD candidates for a fully funded, four-year project focused on the biophysics and rheology of bacterial biofilms. The research aims to uncover the physicochemical mechanisms controlling microbial surface colonisation, biofilm assembly, structure, and mechanical properties, with a special emphasis on the role of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in stress-hardening and adaptation. The project is part of a recently funded SNSF initiative and involves experimental investigation using custom microfluidic and rheometry platforms, advanced imaging, and mathematical modeling. Candidates will work in a highly interdisciplinary, international team within the chair of Prof.

Roman Stocker at the Institute of Environmental Engineering. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in physics, biophysics, materials science, microbiology, or a related field, and have experience in experimental techniques such as microfluidics, rheology, microscopy, or microbial culturing.

Familiarity with data analysis and quantitative modeling is highly valued. The position offers training opportunities, career development perspectives, and support programmes, with a commitment to diversity and flexible working conditions.

Applications must be submitted online by November 30th, 2025, including CV, cover letter, transcripts, thesis, and two reference letters. For questions, contact Dr Eleonora Secchi at [email protected]. ETH Zürich is a world-leading university in science and technology, offering an inclusive and supportive environment for research and learning.

Funding details

The PhD positions are fully funded for approximately 4 years, supported by a recently funded SNSF project. Funding covers salary and employment conditions as per ETH Zürich standards. Final admission to the doctoral programme follows a successful Aptitude Colloquium at the end of year 1; contracts are extended annually.

What's required

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in physics, biophysics, materials science, microbiology, or a related field. Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface between soft-matter physics and microbiology is required. Experience in experimental work such as microfluidics, rheology, microscopy, or culturing microbes, and familiarity with data analysis and quantitative modelling are highly valued. Candidates should be motivated to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment and contribute to teaching activities. Application documents include CV, cover letter (motivation, research interests, possible start date), full transcript from undergraduate studies, copy of Master’s or Bachelor’s thesis (PDF), and at least two reference letters.

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Professors

Professor at ETH Zürich

University Name
Country flag

Switzerland

Research Interests

Microbiology

Database Management

Biology

Physics

Biophysics