PhD / Postdoc Positions in Gut Microbiome & Infection (100%) (2nd Call)

About the project

The successful candidates will employ cutting-edge approaches to investigate:

• The mechanisms by which microbiome composition influences C. difficile infection resistance.
• Microbiome xenotransplantation in germ-free mice to assess functional microbial contributions.
• Metagenome-informed design of synthetic bacterial communities and their study in gnotobiotic models.
• Genetic modification of C. difficile for isogenic genomic barcoding to track population dynamics, within-host evolution, and persistence mechanisms.
• Mathematical modeling of colonization resistance parameters using these data.

Our research moves beyond correlative microbiome analyses toward a better mechanistic understanding of microbiome function, leveraging internationally leading germ-free, gnotobiotic, and reversible gnotobiotic mouse models, combined with advanced microbial genetics and metagenomics.

The positions are embedded within the frameworks of the NCCR Microbiomes (www.nccr-microbiomes.ch), a Swiss research network at the forefront of microbiome science, and the Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID; https://www.mcid.unibe.ch) at the Univeristy of Bern, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between microbiologists, immunologists, functional metagenomics experts, and mathematical modelers. Through these networks, candidates will gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, diverse training programs, and unique opportunities to collaborate with international leaders in the field.
The Institute for Infectious Diseases (IFIK) of the University of Bern offers research, teaching, and diagnostic services in all specialties of medical microbiology. It is the only Swiss university institute that integrates comprehensive expertise in virology, bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and infection serology under one roof.
To learn more about our research and methodologies, check out our key publications:

1. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1188454
2. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-15891-9
3. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2564-6
4. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2023.2172667

We seek highly motivated PhD students and Postdoc with a background in microbiology, immunology, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, or related fields. Ideal candidates should have:

• Strong academic performance and a solid foundation in biology/microbiology.
• Scientific curiosity, integrity, and excellent analytical skills.
• Proficiency in basic wet-lab techniques, including molecular biology and bacterial or mammalian cell biology.
• Experience in any of the following is a plus: animal models (especially infection models or gnotobiology), microbiome analysis, microbial genetics, or mucosal immunology, microbial ecology, or mathematical modeling.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Fixed-term contracts initially for one year, renewable for at least three additional years.
Full-time (100%) positions are available, but reduced-pensum arrangements (e.g., 60-80%) can be considered to support candidates with family or other obligations.

Start Date and Application Deadline
Positions are available from July 2025 or upon mutual agreement. Application deadline: 18. June 2025.

How to apply
To apply, please send a (i) CV (including names of former mentors and supervisors), (ii) a brief statement of research interests, (iii) grades from undergraduate/graduate studies, (iv) a publication list (if applicable), and (v) contact information or letters of at least two references comnined into a single PDF document by e-mail to [email protected].