The Biointerfaces Laboratory at Empa in St. Gallen is offering a PhD position in the field of antimicrobial biomaterials, microbiology, and bacteriophage therapy. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team developing innovative living hydrogel systems for the treatment of wound infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and biofilms. This project aims to create a new generation of injectable therapeutic hydrogels that combine beneficial probiotics and bacteriophages to simultaneously eradicate bacterial infections and promote tissue regeneration. With a strong translational focus, the project seeks to advance these living therapeutic systems toward clinically relevant solutions for wound infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Tasks
- Contribute to the development of injectable, self-healing biomaterial-based hydrogels for the local delivery of probiotics and bacteriophages to wound sites.
- Design and synthesize injectable hydrogel systems.
- Encapsulate and control the delivery of probiotics and bacteriophages.
- Engineer and characterize phage-based antimicrobial strategies against pathogenic bacteria and biofilms.
- Characterize and optimize hydrogel properties and biological functionality.
- Evaluate tissue regeneration and the therapeutic potential of living therapeutics.
- Elucidate mechanisms of action and investigate antimicrobial resistance evolution.
Requirements
- Master's degree in Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Strong interest in antimicrobial resistance, biomaterials, microbiology, or phage therapy.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: Microbiology and bacterial culture, Biofilm research, Biomaterials and hydrogels, Molecular biology or synthetic biology, Bacteriophages.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary team.
- Previous experience with phages, hydrogels, wound healing models, or antimicrobial testing is advantageous.
Benefits
- Highly international and multidisciplinary research environment.
- Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
- Scientific training spanning microbiology, biomaterials engineering, phage biology, and translational biomedical research.
- Close collaboration with leading bacteriophage experts at ETH Zurich and opportunities to work across disciplines.
- Stimulating work environment within one of Switzerland's leading research institutions.
- Attractive employment conditions according to Empa regulations.
- Position available from November 2026 or after negotiation with a duration of four years.
- Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities.
- Creating added value for society.
- International, multicultural working environment.
- Freedom to create and develop.
- Culture of inclusion and respect.
- Excellent balance between different areas of life.
- Multiple award-winning and certified employer.
- Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.
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Über uns
Das Team
The interdisciplinary research team at the Biointerfaces Laboratory collaborates closely with leading bacteriophage experts at ETH Zurich and offers opportunities to work across disciplines.