PhD in Microfluidics: Chemotaxis Drives Plasmid Spread

ETH Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zurich in Zürich invites applications for a doctoral student position in the Environmental Microfluidics Group. The project investigates how bacterial chemotaxis accelerates plasmid transfer and the spread of antibiotic resistance, in a collaboration with the University of Warsaw.

This is a primarily experimental PhD at the interface of engineering and microbiology. You will design, build and characterize instrumentation, run conjugation experiments, and analyze imaging data to inform models

Qualifications

• Hands-on engineering mindset with a track record in prototyping and instrument development.
• Experience with control systems, data acquisition and analysis software is preferred.
• Strong written and spoken English; ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and characterize instrumentation to couple chemotaxis assays with controlled shear systems.
• Run chemotaxis and conjugation experiments using donor/recipient bacteria and plasmids.
• Image and track bacteria and chemical plumes, and analyze data with pipelines.
• Contribute to mathematical models of plasmid spread in aquatic environments.

Skills

Prototyping & manufacturing

Control systems

Python / MATLAB

Fluency in English

Education

MSc in bioengineering or related

Tools

CAD

3D printing

Machining

Flow cytometry (experience)

Job description

ETH Zurich in Zürich invites applications for a doctoral student position in the Environmental Microfluidics Group. The project investigates how bacterial chemotaxis accelerates plasmid transfer and the spread of antibiotic resistance, in a collaboration with the University of Warsaw.

This is a primarily experimental PhD at the interface of engineering and microbiology. You will design, build and characterize instrumentation, run conjugation experiments, and analyze imaging data to inform models