Benoît Zuber

Open PhD position in Structural Neuroscience at the University of Bern , in the Zuber lab at the Institute of Anatomy. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) through the DIMSYNAP project and focuses on the molecular and structural determinants of synaptic vesicle pools in chemical synapses. The PhD student will investigate the three-dimensional architecture and molecular composition of vesicle pools using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) of neuronal preparations, together with affinity labelling approaches such as FerriTag for in-situ protein localisation. This opportunity is especially relevant for candidates interested in neuroscience , structural biology , electron microscopy , image analysis , cell biology , and electrophysiology . The role includes growing neuronal cell cultures, preparing samples for cryo-EM/cryo-ET, acquiring data on state-of-the-art electron microscopes, performing 3D image processing and analysis, presenting results at conferences, mentoring a master student after training, and assisting in teaching medical students. Eligibility highlights: MSc in life science, biomedical engineering, physics, or a related field; fluency in English; experience in image analysis and/or programming is highly valued; prior exposure to electron microscopy, neuroscience, cell culture, or structural biology is an advantage. Funding and conditions: The position is a full-time PhD appointment funded by SNSF. The annual gross salary for 2026 is CHF 50,042 including the 13th month salary. The position starts on 1 August 2026 or by arrangement. Application deadline: 12 June 2026 . How to apply: Send a CV, publication list, statement of experience, motivation letter, reference letters, and contact details for three referees by email to Prof. Benoît Zuber at [email protected] . Full details are available via the job link.

PhD opportunity in Structural Microbiology at the University of Bern The Zuber lab at the Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, is recruiting a PhD student for the SNSF Sinergia consortium DISPERSE . The project focuses on bacterial virulence and anti-virulence strategies, specifically the structural characterization of Clostridium β-pore-forming toxins and their complexes with rationally designed peptide inhibitors. The research combines single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography with peptide design and cheminformatics, in close collaboration with Prof. Jean-Louis Reymond and Prof. Horst Posthaus. The work sits at the interface of structural biology , biochemistry , biophysics , electron microscopy , and host-pathogen interaction . Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold an MSc/Master’s degree in life science, biochemistry, biophysics, biomedical engineering, or a related field. Fluency in English is required. Experience in protein biochemistry (recombinant expression and purification) is a strong advantage, and backgrounds in structural biology, image analysis, or programming are welcome. Funding: the position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (Sinergia project DISPERSE). It is a full-time, fixed-term PhD position with an annual gross salary of CHF 50,042 for 2026 (including the 13th month salary). Application deadline: 12 June 2026. Start date: 1 August 2026 or by arrangement. How to apply: prepare a CV, publication list, statement of experience, motivation letter, letters of reference, and contact details for three referees. Submit the application by email to Prof. Benoît Zuber and consult the job page for full instructions.