PhD student – Physics of bacterial infections
Starting immediately or as per agreement
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 project
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
Your profile
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 you
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.
Application submission form: https://biped.biozentrum.unibas.ch/apply/phd-student-physics-of-bacterial-infections
Please note that only applications through the online form linked above 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.ch
