Postdoc 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
Postdoc 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 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.
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, materials engineering, and ex vivo models,
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, for an initial duration of two years with
the possibility for extension.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
Postdoc 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 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.
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, materials engineering, and ex vivo models,
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, for an initial duration of two years with
the possibility for extension.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