The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world’s leading life sciences institutes. With 33 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 research group of Prof. Knut Drescher at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel seeks to appoint a PhD student in physics of bacterial infections, with a focus on using advanced light microscopy and optics for spatial transcriptomics measurements, to start immediately or as per arrangement.
The research group of Knut Drescher (https://drescherlab.org) focuses on understanding physical processes in the development of bacterial communities (called “biofilms”), particularly in the context of human infections. Our studies are based on highly controlled laboratory experiments or on clinical samples. Biofilms are antibiotic-tolerant bacterial communities that are the cause of many chronic and acute infections, but biofilms are also a model system for understanding basic aspects of multicellular organization in living systems. The PhD project will utilize custom microscopy and optical techniques to perform spatial transcriptomics measurements, to investigate bacterial biofilms during infections and during biofilm growth. The exact project is flexible and will be developed together with Knut Drescher, depending on the strengths and interests of the PhD student.
To get an overview of recent projects, take a look at our publications: https://drescherlab.org/publications.html
We are looking for highly motivated and talented PhD students to join our lab. A Master degree in physics, bioengineering, optics or a similar discipline is required. In addition, expertise in biology would be beneficial.
We offer a full-funded PhD position in a highly interactive, multidisciplinary, and international research group within the Biozentrum. Our group spans expertise in physics, molecular microbiology, as well as bioinformatics and the analysis of big datasets. Moreover, the Biozentrum offers excellent internal support from various core facilities with expert staff, and a structured PhD program. Our group embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
Basel is an international city with people from 150 nations, located on the border where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet. A large number of institutions for biomedical research, with numerous possibilities for training, networking, and career development are located in Basel. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich and varied cultural atmosphere.
Application deadline: 20 February 2026.
Please note that only applications through the online form will be accepted.
The application should include a brief statement of your scientific interests, your research experience, and your particular interest in this open position. In addition, a CV and the contact information of two references are required.
For any informal enquiries, please contact: knut.drescher@unibas.chHow 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!
In Prof. Torsten Schwede's group we use computational methods, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, for integrative modelling of macromolecular complexes, including protein assemblies, protein-ligand interactions, and conformational changes. Our research also aims to understand and predict protein-protein complementarity, design artificial protein binders, investigate the effects of mutations on protein structure and function, and apply protein representation learning to uncover hidden links in the dark proteome.
At the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, we develop SWISS-MODEL (https://swissmodel.expasy.org), a widely used web-based platform for generating high-accuracy 3D models of protein structures and complexes for application in life sciences. In addition, we develop and maintain PLINDER, a resource designed to drive breakthroughs in deep learning-based protein-ligand complex prediction, as well as the Protein Universe Atlas, an interactive web resource for exploring the vast landscape of publicly available protein sequence and structure data. We also organise community efforts to advance the state of the art in structure prediction through initiatives such as CASP and CAMEO.
We are looking for a motivated PhD student to apply bioinformatic and molecular modelling methods to study structure–function relationships in pathogen targets. Conducted in collaboration with the NCCR AntiResist initiative, the research will focus on interpreting resistance variants and on structure-based discovery of new antimicrobials. Where appropriate, generated hypotheses will guide experimental validation, with outcomes feeding back into workflow refinement, improving model quality, and supporting the interpretation of underlying biological mechanisms.
The successful applicant will conduct cutting-edge research using state-of-the-art infrastructure in the Biozentrum, which offers a highly diverse, interdisciplinary, collaborative and stimulating research environment. Salary and benefits are according to University of Basel standards.
Basel is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city at the heart of Europe. Bordering three countries, Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel provides a high standard of living with a thriving cultural atmosphere. The Basel area is Europe’s most important Life Science hub with many small and medium-size biotech companies as well as global pharmaceutical players.
The application should include a brief personal statement, explaining how your qualifications and experience relate to the role, together with a full, up-to-date CV, diplomas and two reference letters. Please clearly indicate your preferred starting date.
Review of applications will start immediately and proceed until the position is filled. Only online applications will be considered.
For any informal inquiries, please contact: leila.alexander@unibas.ch
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.
The Biozentrum is establishing the Dietschy Facility for Tissue Science, a new core unit enabling systematic investigation of individual cells within intact tissues. The facility will integrate state-of-the-art methods for spatial transcriptomics, advanced microscopy, volumetric imaging, neuronal activity mapping, and multimodal data analysis, with an initial focus on neuroscience. To build this interdisciplinary platform, we invite applications for three PhD-level Research Specialists: Microscopy and Spatial Transcriptomics Specialist; Image Analysis Specialist (this position); Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis Specialist. These positions will work closely together and will support a broad user base across the Biozentrum. Become part of our community!
This position will develop and apply computational pipelines to align, segment, and interpret large multimodal imaging datasets, including functional imaging, histology, and spatial transcriptomics. The specialist will enable accurate registration of single cells across modalities over time and development, referencing public brain atlases where applicable.
The Biozentrum provides a highly stimulating collaborative research environment with a world-class infrastructure in a brand-new building, as well as state-of-the-art technology platforms for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. The position is fully funded and salary is according to institutional guidelines. The position is initially for two years, with an option for extension after positive evaluation.
Basel is a cosmopolitan city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet – Switzerland, Germany and France – it is Europe’s most important life sciences hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich cultural atmosphere.
Your application should include:
Application deadline: March 1, 2026
For any informal enquiries, please contact: alex.schier@unibas.ch
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.
The Biozentrum is establishing the Dietschy Facility for Tissue Science, a new core unit enabling systematic investigation of individual cells within intact tissues. The facility will integrate state-of-the-art methods for spatial transcriptomics, advanced microscopy, volumetric imaging, neuronal activity mapping, and multimodal data analysis, with an initial focus on neuroscience. To build this interdisciplinary platform, we invite applications for three PhD-level Research Specialists: Microscopy and Spatial Transcriptomics Specialist; Image Analysis Specialist; Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis Specialist (this position). These positions will work closely together and will support a broad user base across the Biozentrum. Become part of our community!
This position will develop and maintain data-processing pipelines for large-scale neuronal and behavioral datasets, including multi-day high-frequency recordings, fluorescence biosensor imaging, and behavioral pose estimation. The specialist will integrate multimodal datasets and apply advanced statistical and machine-learning methods to uncover relationships between gene expression, neuronal activity, and behavior.
The Biozentrum provides a highly stimulating collaborative research environment with a world-class infrastructure in a brand-new building, as well as state-of-the-art technology platforms for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. The position is fully funded and salary is according to institutional guidelines. The position is initially for two years, with an option for extension after positive evaluation.
Basel is a cosmopolitan city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet – Switzerland, Germany and France – it is Europe’s most important life sciences hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich cultural atmosphere.
Your application should include:
Application deadline: March 1, 2026
For any informal enquiries, please contact: alex.schier@unibas.ch
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.
The Biozentrum is establishing the Dietschy Facility for Tissue Science, a new core unit enabling systematic investigation of individual cells within intact tissues. The facility will integrate state-of-the-art methods for spatial transcriptomics, advanced microscopy, volumetric imaging, neuronal activity mapping, and multimodal data analysis, with an initial focus on neuroscience. To build this interdisciplinary platform, we invite applications for three PhD-level Research Specialists: Microscopy and Spatial Transcriptomics Specialist (this position); Image Analysis Specialist; Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis Specialist. These positions will work closely together and will support a broad user base across the Biozentrum. Become part of our community!
This position will establish and operate advanced imaging and spatial transcriptomics pipelines for high-resolution molecular profiling in intact tissues. The specialist will develop and apply methods enabling large-volume processing—such as whole brain spatial transcriptomics—and integrate techniques including expansion microscopy and multiplexed FISH.
The Biozentrum provides a highly stimulating collaborative research environment with a world-class infrastructure in a brand-new building, as well as state-of-the-art technology platforms for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. The position is fully funded and salary is according to institutional guidelines. The position is initially for two years, with an option for extension after positive evaluation.
Basel is a cosmopolitan city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet – Switzerland, Germany and France – it is Europe’s most important life sciences hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich cultural atmosphere.
Your application should include:
Application deadline: March 1, 2026
For any informal enquiries, please contact: alex.schier@unibas.ch
Starting Date: January 2026 or by agreement
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 Jenal Lab at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel is seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoc with expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry and/or structural biology to join our team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in structure-based discovery of anti-biofilm compounds.
Our research group at the Biozentrum is embedded in the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) AntiResist. We develop and use state-of-the-art organoid technology to better understand human infections and foster antibiotic discovery. We conduct a wide range of assays including cellular and molecular microbiology, advanced microscopy, omics etc. to reach a detailed understanding of human infections, host response and drug treatment.
The project aims to develop novel anti-biofilm compounds that can be used to treat biofilm-related infections caused by a range of bacterial pathogens. Based on structural data demonstrating how an existing anti-biofilm compound binds to and activates its specific target in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we will design, develop and test novel anti-biofilm compounds with broader activity against the WHO priority pathogens Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. You will be working in a trans-national research consortium including experts in structure-based modelling, structure biology and chemistry.
PhD in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or Structural Biology with research experience in any of these areas. You are highly motivated, organized, independent, flexible, with excellent communication and strong team-player skills.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to contribute to a vibrant international research community and to tackle challenging questions in infection biology and drug development. The Biozentrum is a front-line international research environment with cutting-edge research infrastructure and excellent working conditions. The position is initially for one year, with the possibility of further extension. Salary and benefits according to University of Basel standards.
Basel is an international city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet, Switzerland-Germany-France, it is Europe’s most important life sciences hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich and varied cultural atmosphere.
Please apply online.
The application should include a brief personal statement, explaining how your qualifications and experience relate to the role, together with a full, up-to-date CV, diplomas and two reference letters. Review of applications will start immediately and proceed until the position is filled. Only online applications will be considered.
For any informal enquiries, please contact: jenal-recruitment@unibas.chThe Biozentrum offers Bachelor Students the opportunity to immerse themselves in real-life science projects. During the "Biozentrum Research Summer 2026" you will spend seven to nine weeks in a Biozentrum Research Group, perform original research under the guidance of experienced scientists and participate in an inspiring scientific and social program. The internship is concluded with a written report on your research progresses. By the end of your time in Basel, you will have the chance to present your results to the Biozentrum community as a speaker of the Research Summer Symposium. The internship is open to Bachelor Students in Biology, Nanosciences, Chemistry, Physics, Computational Sciences and related fields. Please note: the program is only open to students with a Swiss or EU citizenship as well as holders of a Swiss C-permit.