Postdoc Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions

Postdoc Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions

Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology

St. Gallen, Switzerland

The Biointerfaces Laboratory is offering a Postdoc position focused on the development of in vitro simulation models for performance evaluation of antimicrobial coatings. 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 several Swiss hospitals, offering a potential translation of scientific advancements into practical applications.

Your tasks

The primary focus of this position is to establish advanced in vitro simulation models for vascular grafts to assess the performance of nanoengineered antimicrobial and antifouling coatings. Key objectives include:

• Development of an in vitro model that mimics an in-vivo-like environment such as flow, medium, and temperature to ensure the translational potential of the coatings.
• Comparison of the established model with the standard lab models for evaluating coating stability, durability, and antimicrobial efficacy
• Integration of coating and biological performance data to guide optimization of multifunctional coatings.

Your profile

The candidate should have a PhD degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline, with expertise relevant to antimicrobial materials and invitro testing. Key qualifications include:

• Proven ability to develop and apply complex in vitro or ex vivo test systems.
• Hands-on experience with microbial assays, biofilm models, and/or biomaterial characterization.
• Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to contribute expertise in a collaborative setting.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who is eager to contribute to the translation of fundamental research into clinically relevant antimicrobial solutions.