PhD Student – Physics of Bacterial Infections University of Basel in Switzerland

The Biozentrum at the University of Basel is a renowned life sciences institute, home to 33 research groups and 500 employees, and has contributed to numerous fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine, including several Nobel Laureates. The research group led by Professor Knut Drescher is seeking a PhD student to join their team and investigate the physics of bacterial infections, with a particular emphasis on advanced light microscopy and optics for spatial transcriptomics measurements.

The Drescher Lab focuses on the physical processes underlying the development of bacterial communities, known as biofilms, especially in the context of human infections. Biofilms are antibiotic-tolerant bacterial communities responsible for many chronic and acute infections, and also serve as model systems for studying multicellular organization in living systems. The PhD project will employ custom microscopy and optical techniques to perform spatial transcriptomics, enabling the study of bacterial biofilms during infection and growth. The exact research direction is flexible and will be tailored to the strengths and interests of the successful candidate, in close collaboration with Professor Drescher.

The lab’s expertise spans physics, molecular microbiology, bioinformatics, and big data analysis, offering a highly interactive, multidisciplinary, and international research environment. The Biozentrum provides excellent internal support through core facilities and a structured PhD program. Diversity and equal opportunity are core values of the group, and they are committed to building a team with varied backgrounds and perspectives.

Basel is an international city at the intersection of Switzerland, Germany, and France, with a vibrant biomedical research community and numerous opportunities for training, networking, and career development. The city offers a high standard of living and a rich cultural atmosphere.

This is a fully funded PhD position, including stipend and tuition, within a structured doctoral program. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in physics, bioengineering, optics, or a related discipline, and expertise in biology is advantageous. The application should include a brief statement of scientific interests, research experience, CV, and contact information for two references. The deadline for applications is 20 February 2026. Applications must be submitted via the online form. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Knut Drescher at [email protected].