PhD student – Molecular microbiology of bacterial biofilms

The project

The research group of Knut Drescher (https://drescherlab.org) focuses on understanding the development and emergent properties of bacterial communities (called “biofilms”). Biofilms are antibiotic-tolerant bacterial communities that are the cause of many chronic and acute infections in humans, but biofilms are also a model system for understanding basic aspects of multicellular organization in living systems. Our projects utilize highly controlled laboratory experiments based on microfluidic growth systems for biofilms, and stem-cell-derived organoids and bioengineered tissues for infections. We recently made important discoveries about danger signals that trigger biofilm formation (Nature Microbiology 2025) and emergent behaviors of biofilms (Cell 2023) that are the basis for the PhD project.

The PhD project will investigate new emergent behaviors of biofilm communities that do not occur in isolated bacterial cells. The project will utilize a variety of molecular tools to analyze, manipulate, and perturb biofilms. A particular focus will be on the use of transcriptomics, genetics, and confocal microscopy methods for investigating cellular behaviors in biofilms during biofilm growth and during infections. 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 our lab's recent projects, take a look at our publications: https://drescherlab.org/publications.html

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented PhD student to join our lab. Required qualification: A Master's degree with a research thesis in molecular microbiology.

We offer you

We offer a fully funded PhD position in a highly interactive, multidisciplinary, and international research group at the Biozentrum. Our group brings together expertise in molecular microbiology, biophysics, as well as bioinformatics and the analysis of large datasets. Additionally, the PhD student will be part of the Swiss NCCR AntiResist consortium, with lots of opportunities for scientific exchange with colleagues in related fields. Moreover, the Biozentrum offers excellent 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 over 150 countries, located on the border where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet. Basel is home to numerous biomedical research institutions, offering outstanding opportunities for training, networking, and career development. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich and varied cultural atmosphere.