Postdoctoral Researcher in Lipid Interfaces, Gastrointestinal Biocorona and Drug Delivery University of Fribourg in Switzerland

Open postdoctoral position in the group of Pascal Bertsch at the University of Fribourg, within the ERC Starting Grant project GI-CORONA.

The project investigates how dietary lipids and lipid-based drug delivery systems interact with the complex biochemical environment of the gastrointestinal tract, and how these interactions affect lipid digestion and drug delivery. A central goal is to understand the formation and biological function of the gastrointestinal biocorona on liquid lipid interfaces.

The successful candidate will establish the experimental foundations of GI-CORONA by developing and validating methods to recover lipids from complex gastrointestinal fluids, quantitatively characterizing associated biomolecules, and studying their impact on digestion and drug delivery. The role offers substantial scientific independence and the opportunity to shape the experimental strategy in close collaboration with the principal investigator and, later, a PhD researcher.

This position is especially well suited to a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in food science, colloid and interface science, pharmaceutical sciences, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. The project is highly interdisciplinary, and applicants are not expected to be experts in every area. Strong foundations in colloid science, lipid systems, or analytical chemistry are particularly valued.

Relevant experience includes experimental colloid research involving lipids such as emulsions, liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, or related soft-matter systems; colloidal characterization using imaging, rheological, and scattering techniques, especially interfacial characterization; in vitro lipid digestion setups such as INFOGEST; analytical chemistry with liquid chromatography for drugs, peptides, or biomolecules; proteomics or lipidomics; and lipid-based drug delivery design, including encapsulation, stability, and release studies. Additional experience with cell culture, intestinal permeability assays, or drug-release and bioavailability studies is considered an asset.

The University of Fribourg offers an international and collaborative research environment, access to interdisciplinary expertise, and advanced analytical and structural characterization techniques. The position is full-time for 40 hours per week and starts on 1 January 2027. It is funded through Horizon Europe - ERC, and the postdoctoral researcher will also have the opportunity to co-supervise a PhD student. Personal career grant applications are encouraged and supported.

Applications should include a CV with full publication list, contact details of two references, and a brief cover letter explaining your research background and motivation for joining GI-CORONA. Send the application by email to [email protected] by 1 December 2026.