PhD Position in Bacteria–Materials Interactions: Biomaterials and Bacteriophage Therapy

Empa, a Swiss research institution within the ETH Domain, is inviting applications for a PhD position in bacteria–materials interactions at its Biointerfaces Laboratory in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

The project focuses on developing innovative living hydrogel systems for treating wound infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria and biofilms. Researchers will combine beneficial probiotics and bacteriophages within injectable, self-healing hydrogels designed to eliminate bacterial infections while supporting tissue regeneration.

This interdisciplinary project brings together biomaterials engineering, microbiology, bacteriophage biology, and translational biomedical research to develop potential new therapeutic approaches for difficult-to-treat wound infections.

The selected PhD researcher will:

• Design and synthesise injectable hydrogel systems for local therapeutic delivery.
• Develop methods to encapsulate probiotics and bacteriophages within biomaterials.
• Investigate controlled delivery of living therapeutics at wound sites.
• Engineer and characterise phage-based antimicrobial strategies against pathogenic bacteria and biofilms.
• Characterise and optimise hydrogel properties and biological functionality.
• Evaluate tissue regeneration and the therapeutic potential of living hydrogel systems.
• Investigate mechanisms of action and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research and the development of translational biomedical solutions.

Applicants must have:

• A Master’s degree in Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A strong interest in antimicrobial resistance, biomaterials, microbiology, or bacteriophage therapy.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

• Microbiology and bacterial culture.
• Biofilm research.
• Biomaterials and hydrogel development.
• Molecular biology or synthetic biology.
• Bacteriophage biology and phage therapy.
• Antimicrobial testing and wound-healing models.

Previous experience with bacteriophages, hydrogels, wound-healing models, or antimicrobial testing will be an advantage.

The PhD position offers opportunities to develop expertise in:

• Bacteriophage-based antimicrobial strategies.
• Living therapeutic biomaterials.
• Injectable and self-healing hydrogel systems.
• Probiotic and phage encapsulation and delivery.
• Bacterial biofilms and antimicrobial resistance.
• Tissue regeneration and translational biomedical research.

The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary research environment with access to advanced research infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration with bacteriophage experts at ETH Zurich.

For more phage-related PhD opportunities, check here