PhD student position in novel therapeutics against pneumococcal diseases
100%

The Institute for Infectious Diseases (IFIK), University of Bern, and the Department of Intensive Care Medicine at the University Hospital Bern (INSEL), Switzerland, invite applications for a PhD position (for three years, 100%), funded by the Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, for a project on “Tackling pneumococcal diseases with interspecies bacterial peptides”, in a collaboration between the groups of Prof Lucy Hathaway (IFIK) and Prof Yok-Ai Que (INSEL).

The Institute for Infectious Diseases performs tasks in teaching and research as well as in diagnostic microbiology in the fields of virology, bacteriology, mycology, parasitology and serological infection clarification. It is the only university institute in Switzerland that combines all microbiological specialties in the field of clinical microbiology under one roof.

The Department for Intensive Care Medicine at the Bern University Hospital stands at the forefront of modern interdisciplinary intensive care. The Department operates up to 50 specialized beds, including both Intensive (ICU) and Intermediate Care (IMC) units. The Department research laboratory focuses on developing innovative strategies to combat the global rise in antibiotic resistance. It places particular emphasis on novel, non-antibiotic therapies, including bacteriophage therapy and anti-virulence approaches, aimed at reshaping how we prevent and treat infections in critically ill patients.

The MCID is a multidisciplinary strategic center at the University of Bern dedicated to the study and mitigation of healthcare, societal, ethical, and economic risks from infectious diseases.

Description
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of human mortality and morbidity globally due to the prevalence of pneumonia and meningitis. Treatment is complicated by antibiotic resistance and by the inflammatory effect of lytic antibiotics, resulting in a need for new therapeutics. We have discovered peptides with therapeutic potential against S. pneumoniae. The aim of this project is to test the potential of these peptides, alone and in combination with antibiotics, as new approaches for the prevention and treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia and meningitis.
Requirements
Applicants should have a master's degree in a relevant subject. The successful candidates will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the University of Bern (GCB). All applicants should have a high motivation to succeed with a strong interest in microbiology. The working language is English, German language is an advantage but not a requirement.
Start Date
The position is available from 1st November 2025 or upon mutual agreement. Early application is encouraged.
Information about the application
Applications (as a single pdf file) should be sent to lucy.hathaway@unibe.ch and yok-ai.que@insel.ch and include:
  • CV
  • Copies of grades, diplomas and letters of reference
  • letter describing your motivation to work on this project.


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