Postdoc position on virus-biofilm interactions in rivers

EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institution: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 17,000 people, including over 12,500 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Your mission :
The River Ecosystems Laboratory

is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to study interactions between phages and bacteria in stream biofilms.

Phages modulate bacterial diversity and activity in many ecosystems, yet, little is known about the interactions between phages and bacteria in densely packed and spatially structured biofilm communities. A two-year position is available in a project that aims to shed light on the interaction between phages and stream biofilm bacteria. A PhD student already working in this project focuses on phage-bacteria community dynamics in an alpine stream.

Main duties and responsibilities include :

The postdoctoral research will involve laboratory-based micro- and mesocosm experiments and various imaging techniques. The aim is to understand how phage activity influences biofilm structure and function as well as how biofilm structure may be modulated in response to phage infections. We will work with natural communities in mesocosms as well as with single phage-bacteria pairs using microfluidic techniques.

Your profile :

• PhD in Microbiology, Virology, Microbial Ecology, Environmental Sciences or similar
• Knowledge in Viral Ecology, Microbial Ecology, Microfluidics, Microscopy, Image Analysis, and Microbiology-relevant laboratory skills
• High motivation, independence, and dedication to the project
• Quantitative skills, excellent oral communication (English) and writing skills

We offer :

• A world-class research and training environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities. The work place is EPFL’s Alpine and Polar Environmental Research Centre (ALPOLE) in Sion.
• A multi-cultural, interdisciplinary and stimulating work environment in the center of the European Alps.
• Highly competitive salaries

Start date :
The starting date of the position is flexible but a date before October 2024 would be preferred.

Term of employment :
Fixed-term (CDD)

Work rate :
100%

Duration :
Up to 2 years (one year contract extendable)

Remark :
Only candidates who applied through EPFL website or our partner Jobup’s website will be considered. Files sent by agencies without a mandate will not be taken into account.

Reference :
Job Nb 3250

apply online