Launch week offerEnds in00h00m00s

Publisher
source

Eleonora Secchi

1 year ago

Two PhD positions in Biophysics and Rheology of Bacterial Biofilms ETH Zürich in Switzerland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Microbiology

Funding

Available

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

Switzerland

University

ETH Zürich

Suggested positions

Publisher
source

University of Fribourg

Country flag

Switzerland

Two postdoctoral positions are available in block copolymer self-assembly and soft photonics at the Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Switzerland . The positions are in the Soft Matter Physics Group , with Prof. Ullrich Steiner as project lead and Dr. Andrea Dodero involved in the project. The research sits at the intersection of materials science , polymer science , physics , and chemistry , with a strong experimental focus on linking material structure to optical properties . A...

Chemistry
Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
+3 more

4 weeks ago

Publisher
source

Tai

University of Michigan

Country flag

United States

Postdoctoral Research Fellow opportunity in the Tai Lab, Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, United States). The lab studies bacterial biofilms and microbial communities using biophysics, microbiology, soft matter physics, ecology, and evolution. Research directions include single-cell imaging, microfluidics, bacterial genetics, systems biology, biophysical measurements, and computational modeling. This postdoc is a one-year appointment with possible renewal depending on...

Computer Science
Microbiology
Biomedical Engineering
+9 more

1 month ago

Publisher
source

University of Basel

Country flag

Switzerland

Fully funded PhD position in molecular microbiology is available at the Drescher Lab, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland . The doctoral thesis will investigate emergent behaviours in bacterial biofilm communities , with a focus on molecular microbiology and bacterial community biology. The project may involve approaches such as transcriptomics, bacterial genetics, confocal microscopy, bioinformatics, and microfluidic systems. Applicants should hold a Master's degree with a research the...

Microbiology
Biology
Microscopy
+4 more

2 weeks ago

Publisher
source

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Country flag

France

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, offers a unique PhD opportunity focused on the structural study of the stratum corneum lipid interfaces. This project aims to advance our understanding of the human skin’s primary barrier, the stratum corneum, by investigating the interface between corneocytes and intercellular lipids using state-of-the-art neutron diffraction, neutron reflectometry, and advanced optical microscopy techniques. The research is fundamentally o...

Chemistry
Materials Science
Biophysics
+7 more

8 months ago

Publisher
source

Manlio Tassieri

University of Glasgow

Country flag

United Kingdom

Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Glasgow in Biomedical Engineering , Rheology , Biophysics , and Mechanobiology . The project asks whether the mechanics of tissues can reveal disease by measuring how biological tissues deform, flow, and relax. The research builds on i-Rheo-Indent technology to uncover mechanical biomarkers of disease through rapid, broadband viscoelastic measurements. The work sits at the intersection of fundamental physics, soft matter, biomedical engineering, ...

Biomedical Engineering
Materials Science
Biophysics
+7 more

3 weeks ago

Keywords

Microbiology
Materials Science
Biophysics
Biology
Mathematical Modeling
Microscopy
Polymer Chemistry
Rheology
Biofilm Formation
Fluorescence Imaging
Soft Matter Physics
Microfluidic
Physics

About this position

The bioMatter Microfluidics Group at ETH Zürich, led by Dr Eleonora Secchi and hosted within the chair of Prof. Roman Stocker, is recruiting two PhD candidates for a recently funded SNSF project focused on the biophysics and rheology of bacterial biofilms. The group investigates the physicochemical mechanisms governing microbial surface colonisation, biofilm assembly, structure, and rheology, employing interdisciplinary approaches that span materials science, microbiology, microfluidics, and advanced imaging.

The project aims to systematically study nonlinear biofilm rheology, with a particular emphasis on the role of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in stress-hardening and mechanical adaptation. Biofilms, which are microbial communities encased in a polymeric matrix, play significant roles in medicine, industry, and the environment due to their resilience and ability to cause persistent infections and biofouling. The research will experimentally investigate nonlinear rheology and stress-hardening in bacterial biofilms of various morphologies using custom microfluidic and rheometry platforms.

Candidates will quantify the role of eDNA and its interactions with biofilm matrix components through mutant libraries, enzymatic/antibody assays, and controlled physicochemical conditions, as well as assess the incorporation of exogenous DNA into biofilms. Advanced fluorescence and confocal imaging will be used to resolve biofilm network structure and eDNA conformation in situ. The project also involves developing a numerical predictive model of biofilm mechanics and collaborating within an interdisciplinary team.

The position is fully funded for approximately four years, with final admission to the doctoral programme contingent on a successful Aptitude Colloquium at the end of the first year. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in physics, biophysics, materials science, microbiology, or a related field, and have experience in experimental work such as microfluidics, rheology, microscopy, or culturing microbes.

Familiarity with data analysis and quantitative modelling is highly valued. The group offers training opportunities, career development perspectives, mentoring, and a supportive, diverse, and inclusive working environment. Applications must be submitted online by November 30th, 2025, including a CV, cover letter, transcripts, thesis PDF, and two reference letters.

For questions about the position, contact Dr Eleonora Secchi at [email protected].

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in physics, biophysics, materials science, microbiology, or a related field. Experience in experimental work such as microfluidics, rheology, microscopy, or culturing microbes, and familiarity with data analysis and quantitative modelling is highly valued. Candidates should be motivated to work both independently and collaboratively within an international research environment and to contribute actively to teaching activities. Required application documents include a curriculum vitae, cover letter (including motivation, research interests, and possible start date), full transcript from undergraduate studies (Bachelor and Masters), copy of Master’s or Bachelor’s thesis (PDF), and at least two reference letters. Final admission to the doctoral programme follows a successful Aptitude Colloquium at the end of year 1.

ApplyKite TwinLearns as you apply

Make your next move.

Prepare your application

Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.

Professors

Dr. at ETH Zürich

University Name
Country flag

Switzerland

Research Interests

Microbiology

Fluid Mechanics

Phd Studentship In: A Simple Approach To Tailoring Biofilms For Effective Removal Of Micropollutants During Wastewater Treatment

Biofilm Formation

A Simple Approach To Tailoring Biofilms For Effective Removal Of Micropollutants During Wastewater Treatment

Professor at ETH Zürich

University Name
Country flag

Switzerland

Research Interests

Microbiology

Polymer Chemistry

Biology

Physics

Materials Science