BIPED Application Portal

Starting 1 January 2027

How does life emerge from molecules and cells? This is the central question that motivates us. With curiosity and passion, we investigate the entire spectrum ranging from the atom to the organism. The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world’s leading life sciences institutes. With 32 groups and 500 employees, we are a dynamic and international research community that has spawned many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine as well as several Nobel Laureates. Become part of our community!

The Bumann Lab at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, is looking for a highly motivated laboratory technician. The position is part of an SNSF Ambizione project led by Dr. Alaa Alhayek.

Your responsibilities

The successful applicant will work closely with Dr. Alaa Alhayek on an Ambizione project investigating how Staphylococcus aureus crosses intact human skin. The project aims to identify bacterial entry routes and understand how the host contains them.

Your profile

Applicants should have a degree as “Laborant/in” or a Bachelor/Master Degree in Biology or related topics. Previous experience in cell/tissue culture, molecular biology, and microbiology is desired. Experience with human tissue, histology, confocal microscopy, RNA FISH, image analysis or biosafety level 2 work is advantageous but not required.

The role requires flexibility, reliable laboratory work, good organizational skills and the ability to work independently. Applicants should enjoy learning new methods and working in a collaborative research environment. Enthusiasm for infection biology and microscopy is essential.

We offer

The successful applicant will work closely with the Ambizione project leader while being fully integrated into the collaborative and international environment of the Bumann Lab and the Biozentrum. Training will be provided in ex vivo tissue models, microbiological methods, advanced microscopy and quantitative image analysis.

The position is available from 1 January 2027. The initial contract will be for one year.

For more information about the Bumann Lab, please visit: https://www.biozentrum.unibas.ch/research/research-groups/research-groups-a-z/own-content/unit/research-group-dirk-bumann/bumann-projects

For more information about the Ambizione project, please contact Dr. Alaa Alhayek email: alaa.alhayek@unibas.ch

Application / Contact

The application should include a brief personal statement, explaining how your qualifications and experience make you a good candidate for this job, together with a full, up-to-date CV and contact details of two references.

We start reviewing applications from 15 October 2026 until the position is filled.

Please note that only online-applications will be accepted. For further information, please contact Dr. Alaa Alhayek (e-mail: alaa.alhayek@unibas.ch)

Starting immediately or by mutual agreement

The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world’s leading life sciences institutes. With 33 research groups and 500 employees, we are a dynamic and international research community that has spawned many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine as well as several Nobel laureates. Join our community!

The research group of Prof. Marek Basler seeks to appoint a highly motivated PhD student in molecular microbiology, protein biochemistry and bacterial cell biology. The project focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms that control the assembly and function of the Type 6 secretion system.

The project

The bacterial Type 6 secretion system (T6SS) is one of the largest dynamic assemblies in Gram-negative bacteria. It shares evolutionary origins with contractile phage tails and other extracellular contractile protein translocation nanomachines. Importantly, the unique mode of action of T6SS allows bacteria to deliver folded proteins across membranes of neighboring bacterial or eukaryotic cells (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-025-01256-w). Subcellular localization of T6SS assembly and timing of its firing is tightly regulated in various bacteria:

• Spatial positioning: Live-cell super-resolution imaging showed that Acinetobacter position their T6SS specifically at contact sites with neighboring bacteria (https://doi.org/10.15252/embj.2021108595).
• Tit-for-tat response: Atomic force microscopy and live-cell imaging demonstrated that T6SS assembly in Pseudomonas responds to attacks by sensing membrane damage (https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr1713).
• Host interaction: During infection, T6SS in Burkholderia assembles when bacteria are trapped in membrane protrusions, enabling cell-to-cell spread (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2024.03.013).

Despite these breakthroughs, we still lack a fundamental mechanistic understanding of how precise timing and spatial localization are achieved, and the specific signals that trigger T6SS assembly remain unknown.

Learn more about our recent research: Basler Lab Group Overview and Google Scholar

Your profile

We are looking for a curious, talented, and highly motivated PhD student to join our team!

• Required Qualifications: An MSc degree with a research thesis in molecular microbiology, protein biochemistry, protein-protein interactions, electron microscopy, bacterial signaling, or a related discipline.
• Desirable Skills: Prior hands-on experience with live-cell imaging is an advantage.

We offer

• Environment: A fully funded PhD position in a highly interactive, multidisciplinary, and international research group combining expertise in molecular microbiology, biochemistry, imaging, and infection biology.
• Development: Structured PhD program with extensive opportunities for training, networking, and scientific exchange.
• Facilities: Outstanding support from specialized Biozentrum core facilities (e.g. Imaging, Biophysics, Electron Microscopy) staffed by expert scientists.
• Location: Basel is a vibrant, highly international city located where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet. It offers an exceptional standard of living, rich cultural activities, and proximity to major biomedical hubs.

Application / Contact

Please submit your application exclusively via our Online Application Form.

Required Materials:

• A brief statement detailing your research experience and specific motivation for this position.
• A comprehensive CV.
• Contact information for at least two academic references.

Review of applications will start in September and proceed until the position is filled.

For informal inquiries, feel free to contact Prof. Marek Basler at: marek.basler@unibas.ch

Excellent students from all over the world are encouraged to apply for the prestigious "Biozentrum PhD Fellowships" program. The aim of the fellowships which are sponsored by the Werner Siemens-Foundation and the University of Basel is to select and promote highly talented graduate students in the area of Life Sciences. The fellowships offer direct access to the PhD program of the Biozentrum, University of Basel, additional financial support, a rotation-based selection of the research group, and support for the attendance of scientific meetings and courses during the PhD.

The Biozentrum offers a limited number of scholarships for international candidates who are applying for the MSc Physics of Life with outstanding records of accomplishment. These scholarships are highly competitive and the selection criteria are primarily academic excellence and motivation. The program starts spring semester 2027.