A fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Bern for motivated researchers interested in microbial interactions, predatory bacteria, and innovative strategies against antimicrobial resistance. This position is part of an ERC-funded project in a newly relocating research group.

Important Information

The Institute for Infectious Diseases at the University of Bern is offering a full-time PhD position in molecular microbial interaction, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) within the predatory bacteria group led by Dr. Simona Huwiler. The position is planned to start on 1 April 2026, or later based on mutual agreement. The research group will relocate from the University of Zurich to the University of Bern.

Project Overview

Antibiotic resistance continues to rise globally, creating a pressing need for new antimicrobial strategies. This PhD project focuses on the study of predatory bacteria, which naturally kill or invade other bacteria. While bacterial immune systems for fighting bacteriophages are well studied, it remains unknown whether similar defense systems exist against predatory bacteria.

This project aims to genetically, microscopically, and mechanistically uncover whether bacteria possess immune systems against predatory species. Understanding these interactions will reveal new perspectives on microbial predator–prey relationships and may pave the way for innovative antimicrobial therapies.

Research Tasks

• Investigate bacterial immunity mechanisms against predatory bacteria

• Perform advanced bacterial cultivation and genetic engineering

• Conduct protein purification, protein–protein interaction analysis, and proteomics

• Apply microscopy techniques including time-lapse imaging, widefield, confocal, and super-resolution

• Perform data analysis and interpretation

• Collaborate within a diverse and supportive research group

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong motivation and interest in microbiology and molecular biology

• MSc in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or related field (or completion expected by Feb 2026)

• Prior experience in bacterial cell culture, molecular cloning, microscopy, and scientific data representation

• Desirable skills: protein expression, purification, epifluorescence microscopy, super-resolution imaging, flow cytometry

• Ability to learn quickly, work independently, and collaborate effectively

• Good communication skills

• Proficiency in English

Benefits

• Supportive and collaborative research environment

• Opportunity to work in a newly emerging research field with promising preliminary data

• Direct supervision and guided topic transition by an experienced PI

• Access to high-end advanced microscopy setups (widefield, confocal, super-resolution)

• Competitive salary based on the salary guidelines of the Canton of Bern

• Inclusive team culture promoting diversity and equality

How to Apply

Submit your application by 8 December 2025 (23:59 CET) through:

1️⃣ Online Form:
https://forms.office.com/e/wJWk6DiajC

2️⃣ Email Submission:
Send a single PDF file (max 5 MB) to:
📩 simona.huwiler@alumni.ethz.ch
Email subject: “PhD microbial interaction”

Your PDF must include (in this exact order):

1. CV (with publications and conferences)

2. University degrees & transcripts

3. Contact details of two referees (position, address, relation, email)

Only the top six candidates will be invited for online interviews in December 2025.

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