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 optics and light microscopy, 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 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 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, 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: 1 August 2025.
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. 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 Jenal Lab at the Biozentrum is seeking a highly motivated and skilled laboratory technician with expertise in cell cultures to join our team. We offer a full-time position with exciting opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research in lung infections and antibiotic discovery.
The Jenal Lab investigates bacterial lung infections with state-of-the-art human organoid models, coupling tissue characterization to drug testing and infection assays supported by advanced microscopy and molecular microbiology.
This position places you at the center of an international, highly collaborative research community where you will address fundamental problems in infection biology and help shape the next generation of antimicrobial therapeutics. We offer an opportunity to expand your portfolio with skills in tissue engineering, PK/PD analyses and infection biology. Our team is supportive and strong in communication. The Biozentrum offers excellent working conditions, cutting-edge infrastructure and a highly dynamic and international research environment. The position is initially for one year, with the possibility of further extension. Salary and benefits are 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.
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 at least one reference letter. Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled. Please note that only online applications will be considered.
For any informal enquiries, please contact: jenal-recruitment@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!
We are seeking two highly creative and motivated post-docs with outstanding graduate training.
Bacterial infections pose a major threat to human health. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding the localization, properties, and host interactions of pathogens within human tissues. These gaps hinder the development of physiologically relevant laboratory models for drug discovery. As part of the Swiss research network http://www.nccr-antiresist.ch/, the Bumann lab tackles these challenges by analyzing patient biopsies using advanced imaging techniques and mass spectrometry.
The post-docs will lead projects investigating how Staphylococcus aureus and mycobacteria manipulate infected host cells and tissue microenvironments in patient biopsies. The projects will employ established work-flows for multiplex immunohistochemistry, advanced feedback-driven imaging, image analysis, and visual proteomics. These efforts will be strongly supported by the outstanding core facilities at the Biozentrum, which offer state-of-the-art imaging and mass spectrometry platforms, along with expert technical support.
Postdocs in the lab will have the chance to mentor graduate students, undergrads, and other trainees, and will be given opportunities to participate in grant writing, peer review, and other career-building activities.
Candidates should hold a PhD or be nearing their PhD defense date. We are seeking highly creative and motivated postdocs with broad interests in bacterial infections or advanced imaging/image analysis.
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 with your CV and a brief description of your research experience and interests. References are not required at this stage but will be requested from finalists.
For further information, please contact dirk.bumann@unibas.ch