PhD Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions 100%
Empa, Materials Science and Technology
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"As Switzerland's incubator for innovation, Empa's research provides answers to the most pressing challenges facing
industry." Prof. Dr. Katharina Maniura, Biointerfaces "Empa's research on the highest international level plays a
leading role in the advancement of technology." Prof. Dr. Ayodhya Nath Tiwari, Thin Films and Photovoltaics "Empa's
materials science and technology research is of great benefit to society in the fields of energy, mobility,
environment, construction and health." Prof. Dr. Bernd Nowack, Technology and Society "For my research projects I use
first-class equipment. This is extremely important in dynamic 3D radiography." Dr. Ameet Aiyangar, Mechanical Systems
Engineering "Empa offers good employment conditions and supports equal opportunities. I consider this very important."
Irene Ferretto, Advanced Materials Processing "Empa has sites in three attractive regions in Switzerland. This also
ensures a good quality of life." Dr. Shanyu Zhao, Building Energy Materials and Components "We enjoy working in a team.
For us it is important that Empa pursues topics like sustainability and innovation." Michael Levy and Nikola Tatalovic,
Finances/Controlling "My work is exciting and highly diverse - and I am right there when research projects are being
implemented in NEST, Empa's research and innovation building." Yannic Trüb, Real Estate Management "At Empa I value the
good work environment and international collaboration." Subas Scheibler, Particles-Biology Interactions
PhD Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions
Share Apply now 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 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 Master’s 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:
- Hands-on experience with microbiological methods, material characterization, or polymer/ nanoparticle/ hydrogel
synthesis.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high scientific curiosity.
- Ability to work independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
- Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken).
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 live a culture of inclusion and
respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what
counts.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.SarahStüdli, Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner
Questions?
Dr.QunRen Zulian
Group leader
Biointerfaces
Your future place of work
Empa
Lerchenfeldstrasse 5
9014St. Gallen
Empa as an employer
Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities Creating added value for society International, multicultural working
environment Freedom to create and develop Culture of inclusion and respect Excellent balance between different areas of
life Multiple award-winning and certified employer Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.
Good to know
Empa website
Working in Switzerland
Employment process
Conditions of employment
Apply now
industry." Prof. Dr. Katharina Maniura, Biointerfaces "Empa's research on the highest international level plays a
leading role in the advancement of technology." Prof. Dr. Ayodhya Nath Tiwari, Thin Films and Photovoltaics "Empa's
materials science and technology research is of great benefit to society in the fields of energy, mobility,
environment, construction and health." Prof. Dr. Bernd Nowack, Technology and Society "For my research projects I use
first-class equipment. This is extremely important in dynamic 3D radiography." Dr. Ameet Aiyangar, Mechanical Systems
Engineering "Empa offers good employment conditions and supports equal opportunities. I consider this very important."
Irene Ferretto, Advanced Materials Processing "Empa has sites in three attractive regions in Switzerland. This also
ensures a good quality of life." Dr. Shanyu Zhao, Building Energy Materials and Components "We enjoy working in a team.
For us it is important that Empa pursues topics like sustainability and innovation." Michael Levy and Nikola Tatalovic,
Finances/Controlling "My work is exciting and highly diverse - and I am right there when research projects are being
implemented in NEST, Empa's research and innovation building." Yannic Trüb, Real Estate Management "At Empa I value the
good work environment and international collaboration." Subas Scheibler, Particles-Biology Interactions
PhD Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions
Share Apply now 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 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 Master’s 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:
- Hands-on experience with microbiological methods, material characterization, or polymer/ nanoparticle/ hydrogel
synthesis.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high scientific curiosity.
- Ability to work independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
- Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken).
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 live a culture of inclusion and
respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what
counts.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.SarahStüdli, Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner
Questions?
Dr.QunRen Zulian
Group leader
Biointerfaces
Your future place of work
Empa
Lerchenfeldstrasse 5
9014St. Gallen
Empa as an employer
Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities Creating added value for society International, multicultural working
environment Freedom to create and develop Culture of inclusion and respect Excellent balance between different areas of
life Multiple award-winning and certified employer Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.
Good to know
Empa website
Working in Switzerland
Employment process
Conditions of employment
Apply now