PhD student – Antibiotic biosensor protein engineering

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The research group of Prof. Knut Drescher at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel seeks to appoint a PhD student in molecular microbiology, biochemistry and protein design, with a focus on the development of biosensors for antibiotics. The position is available immediately or by mutual agreement.
The project

As part of the Swiss National Competence Center in Research (NCCR) “AntiResist", we develop new approaches to overcome the global antibiotic resistance crisis. To understand why antibiotics sometimes fail to treat bacterial infections, it is critical to measure the local concentration of antibiotics at the site of infection. We recently developed the first allosteric biosensors for antibiotics, which enabled us to perform real-time measurements of antibiotic concentrations with high spatial and temporal resolution at the site of bacterial infections (bioRxiv manuscript 2026). However, using the method we used in our previous study, we could only obtain biosensors for two classes of antibiotics. We now aim to extend this breakthrough by developing biosensors for all major classes of antibiotics using protein design and protein engineering. This project combines computational and experimental approaches to design biosensor candidates and transform them into fully functional biosensors in bacterial cells. Additionally, we will apply the newly developed biosensors for measuring antibiotic concentration dynamics inside bacterial cells in infection biology assays, ranging from biofilm treatment to stem-cell-derived organoids and bioengineered tissue infection systems.

To get an overview of our lab's recent projects, take a look at our publications: https://drescherlab.org/publications.html
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented PhD student to join our lab. Required qualification: A Master's degree with a research thesis in molecular microbiology, protein biochemistry, protein design, or a discipline that is related to the proposed PhD project.
We offer a fully funded PhD position in a highly interactive, multidisciplinary, and international research group at the Biozentrum. Our group brings together expertise in molecular microbiology, biophysics, as well as bioinformatics and the analysis of large datasets. Additionally, the PhD student will be part of the Swiss-wide NCCR AntiResist consortium, with lots of opportunities for scientific exchange with colleagues in related fields. Moreover, the Biozentrum offers excellent support from various core facilities with expert staff, and a structured PhD program. Our group embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Basel is an international city with people from over 150 countries, located on the border where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet. Basel is home to numerous biomedical research institutions, offering outstanding opportunities for training, networking, and career development. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich and varied cultural atmosphere.
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