PhD Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research Empas around 1100 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 Bacteria and Materials Interactions Group at the Biointerfaces Laboratory is offering a PhD position focused on development of nanoengineered 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 PhD research will focus on developing innovative multifunctional coatings with integrated antimicrobial properties. Key objectives include :

• Design and synthesis of multifunctional antimicrobial coatings.
• Materials and physicochemical characterization of the fabricated coatings.
• 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 Masters degree in Microbiology Biotechnology Materials Science Bioengineering or a related discipline with a strong interest in antimicrobial materials and bacteria & surface interactions. Key qualifications include :

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate who is eager to engage in cuttingedge 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 January 2026 or after negotiation with a duration of four years.

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.

Sarah Stüdli Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner

Key Skills

Shipping & Receiving,Order Management System,Inventory Control,Microsoft Access,Forklift,SAP,Supply Chain Experience,Warehouse Experience,Materials Handling,Supplier Management,Materials Management,MRP

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1