Postdoctoral Position in Novel Models for Infection Biology

ETH Zürich • Basel • vor 5Tg

We, the ETH Zurich Bioprocess Laboratory (Prof. Sven Panke), are a multinational (currently 8 different nationalities) and interdisciplinary (synthetic biology, microfluidics, genetic and enzyme engineering, bioprocesses) group located at the Basel campus of ETH Zurich and part of the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) ( www.bsse.ethz.ch/bpl , LinkedIn ).

Project background

Microbial infections are increasing all over the world due a rise in resistance to current antibiotics. This threatens to become one of the major dangers to human health of the coming century. The Bioprocess Laboratory is part of a major alliance with the goal address this critical challenge in a wholistic manner: the Nationcal Competence Center of Research (NCCR) Antiresist . NCCR AntiResist aims to transform antibiotic research and discovery by developing laboratory models that replicate physiological interactions between bacteria and human tissue based on conditions observed in patient samples. This innovative in vitro modelling of in vivo conditions provides novel opportunities for antibiotic discovery and gives new hope in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.

A key activity of the NCCR Antiresist is to translate insights on how to build more realistic infection models into the quest for novel antibiotics, which is where the Bioprocess Laboratory comes in: we are screening for novel antimicrobial peptides as well as evaluating novel cultivation formats with respect to their authenticity of replicating relevant infection coditions in screening.

Job description

You will be responsible for a project on the validation of novel bacterial infection models on the system-wide molecular scale. On the experimental side, the work will revolve around the operation of different cultivation modalities (including continuous cultivation) and the collection and evaluation of system-wide transcriptomic and/or proteomic data.

On the organizational side, the work will include the coordination of interdiscciplinary efforts over three different contributing laboratories.

Overall, you will have the unique chance of driving a project towards the validation of novel screening and characterization formats. As this is a highly interdisciplinary project, complementary competence will be provided from partners depending on your core competence.

The work is embedded in the NCCR antiresist network here in Basel and across Switzerland. Major collaborators for this project are at other groups at D-BSSE, the Biozentrum of the University of Basel (next door neighbors), and Uppsala University in Sweden.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. The earliest starting date is November 1st.

Profile

We are looking for a committed and responsible candidate with a doctoral degree/PhD in bacterial physiology, systems biology, or a related field, with a an interest in operating technologically advanced systems. Candidates should be fluent in English, highly organized and show a flair for coordinating and eventually driving an international collaboration. We value curiosity, flexibility, and participating in a mutually supportive and inclusive team.

We offer

We offer a supportive environment in a well-functioning team, excellent training in state-of-the-art synthetic biology, microbiology, and enzyme and genetic engineering. You will be able to shape and drive your scientific project in the excellent and supportive network of the NCCR Antiresist. At the same time you will have access to the cutting-edge facilities of the D-BSSE and the partnering institutions and you will experience the busy life of a buzzing international department in the heart of Basel, Europe's life science capital ( https://twitter.com/ETH_BSSE ), with key global players of the life science world (Roche, Novartis, Lonza) around the corner. The Bioprocess Laboratory has a demonstrated track record in spinning out cutting edge science ( https://bsse.ethz.ch/department/spin-offs.html ).

> Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .