100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Environmental Microfluidics Group of Prof. Roman Stocker in the Institute of Environmental Engineering is seeking a dynamic and motivated doctoral student with an engineering background for a project on how bacterial chemotaxis accelerates plasmid transfer, including the spread of antibiotic resistance. The position is funded by a recently awarded SNSF grant, and the project is a joint effort with Prof. Jonasz Slomka at the University of Warsaw. This position will be based in the laboratory of Prof. Roman Stocker.
Project background
Bacterial conjugation, the contact-dependent transfer of plasmids between cells, speeds up bacterial evolution and is a major route for the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment, which in turn poses a global health threat. Aquatic environments are full of microscale chemical hotspots, such as the nutrient-rich 'phycosphere' around phytoplankton and sinking marine particles, and chemotactic bacteria are known to find and accumulate rapidly at these locations. This project will test the hypothesis that this accumulation enhances plasmid spreading in the environment, contributing to a cutting-edge view of the role of antibiotic resistance in nature.
The project seeks to study when, where and how strongly this enhancement operates across different chemical hotspots, fluid flows and bacterial strains, and what it means for the spread of antibiotic resistance among aquatic bacteria.
Job description
This is a primarily experimental PhD at the interface of engineering and microbiology. The student will:
- Design, build and characterize new instrumentation to couple existing chemotaxis assays to controlled shear systems. This includes mechanical design, 3D printing, control systems and integration with a fluorescence microscope.
- Run chemotaxis and conjugation experiments with bacterial donors and recipients of plasmids and a range of chemoattractants, with the opportunity to learn and use advanced techniques such as flow cytometry and plate-reader-based plasmid transfer quantification.
- Image and track fluorescently labeled bacteria and chemical plumes in shear flow, and analyze the data with quantitative image- and data-analysis pipelines.
- Test clinically relevant bacteria and freshwater (e.g. lake) bacteria, to assess the potential for chemotaxis-driven spread of resistance in the environment.
- Contribute data to mathematical models of plasmid spread.
Profile
We are looking for a hands-on, skilled and curious engineer who loves to build new tools and is interested in using them to answer fundamental scientific questions. Ideal candidates hold an MSc degree in bioengineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, physics or a related discipline, and have some (not necessarily all) of the following skills:
- Practical experience in prototyping and manufacturing, for example CAD, 3D printing, machining (strongly preferred).
- Experience with control systems and instrumentation, for example motor control, sensors, microcontrollers, and automation or data-acquisition code (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW or similar) (preferred).
- Openness to gain experience in the microbiology laboratory: bacterial cultures, sterile technique, plate readers and flow cytometry.
- Familiarity with microscopy, image analysis, fluid mechanics or microfluidics (beneficial but not necessary).
- Fluency in English (oral and written), enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary and international team, and the drive to pursue scientific excellence (required).
You will be guided by Prof. Roman Stocker and by members of his lab with extensive experience in microbiology, experimental techniques and environmental processes. You will have the opportunity to work in a cutting-edge, fast-paced research environment, interact with researchers from many different disciplines (engineers, physicists, microbiologists, oceanographers, chemists, mathematicians), gain technical experience across diverse research approaches and interact with world-class collaborators.
Workplace
Laura-Hezner-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
We offer
ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
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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.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application by December 15th, 2026, including the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter (max one page, including brief motivation, research interests and possible start date)
- Full transcript from undergraduate studies (both Bachelor and Masters, including grades)
- Copy of Master’s or Bachelor’s thesis (PDF)
- At least two reference letters
Further information about The Stocker Lab can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr Stefano Ugolini, gugolini@ethz.ch (no applications).
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.