Postdoc Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions

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 primary focus of this position is to establish advanced in vitro simulation models for vascular grafts to assess the performance of nanoengineered antimicrobial and anti-fouling 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 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 in vitro 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.