"PhD Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions"

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Biointerfaces Laboratory is offering a PhD position focused on development of engineered antimicrobial hydrogels. This project aims to tackle the growing challenge of infections caused by resistant bacteria through designing innovative, non-toxic, and durable antimicrobial solutions. This highly interdisciplinary project will be conducted in collaboration with hospitals, offering a potential translation of scientific advancements into practical applications.

Your tasks

The PhD research will focus on developing innovative multifunctional hydrogels for trauma wound infections.

Key objectives include:

• Design and synthesis of multifunctional antimicrobial and biocompatible hydrogels.
• Materials and physicochemical characterization of the fabricated materials.
• Exploration of how material properties influence bacterial viability and biofilm formation.
• Identification and elucidation of the modes of action of bacterial killing/repelling.

The research aims to provide fundamental insights into bacteria & material interactions and contribute to the creation of next-generation antimicrobial materials with clinical relevance.

Your profile

The candidate should hold a Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Materials Science, Bioengineering or a related discipline, with a strong interest in antimicrobial materials and bacteria & materials interactions.

Key qualifications include:

• Hands-on experience with microbiological methods, material characterization, or polymer/ nanoparticle/ hydrogel synthesis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high scientific curiosity.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken).

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate who is eager to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to the success of the project.

Our offer

The Biointerfaces Laboratory is located in St. Gallen at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa). Our team is highly interdisciplinary and international, providing an inspiring environment for high impact research. We have internal expertise in (micro)biology, chemistry, and materials engineering, and we have strong collaborations with external academic, industrial, and clinical partners to ensure project success. Additionally, Empa offers outstanding infrastructure, career support, networking opportunities, and competitive salaries. The position is available from April 2026 or after negotiation with a duration of four years.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

Job details

Title

PhD Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions

Employer

Empa

Location

Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 St. Gallen, Switzerland

Published

2026-02-17

Application deadline

Unspecified

Job type

PhD

Field

Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioengineering