PhD Position in Bacteria & Materials Interactions

You will contribute to the development of injectable, self-healing biomaterial-based hydrogels for the local delivery of probiotics and bacteriophages to wound sites. Your work will involve: Design and synthesis of injectable hydrogel systems, Encapsulation and controlled delivery of probiotics and bacteriophages, Engineering and characterization of phage-based antimicrobial strategies against pathogenic bacteria and biofilms, Characterization and optimization of hydrogel properties and biological functionality, Evaluation of tissue regeneration and the therapeutic potential of living therapeutics, Elucidation of mechanisms of action and investigation of antimicrobial resistance evolution

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 at Empa in St. Gallen is offering a PhD position in the field of antimicrobial biomaterials, microbiology, and bacteriophage therapy. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team developing innovative living hydrogel systems for the treatment of wound infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria and biofilms. This project aims to create a new generation of injectable therapeutic hydrogels that combine beneficial probiotics and bacteriophages to simultaneously eradicate bacterial infections and promote tissue regeneration. With a strong translational focus, the project seeks to advance these living therapeutic systems toward clinically relevant solutions for wound infections and antimicrobial resistance.

• A Master's degree in Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related field

• Strong interest in antimicrobial resistance, biomaterials, microbiology, or phage therapy

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Microbiology and bacterial culture / Biofilm research / Biomaterials and hydrogels / Molecular biology or synthetic biology / Bacteriophages

• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary team

• Previous experience with phages, hydrogels, wound healing models, or antimicrobial testing is advantageous.