This is a primarily experimental PhD at the interface of engineering and microbiology. The student will:

• Design, build and characterize new instrumentation to couple existing chemotaxis assays to controlled shear systems. This includes mechanical design, 3D printing, control systems and integration with a fluorescence microscope.
• Run chemotaxis and conjugation experiments with bacterial donors and recipients of plasmids and a range of chemoattractants, with the opportunity to learn and use advanced techniques such as flow cytometry and plate-reader-based plasmid transfer quantification.
• Image and track fluorescently labeled bacteria and chemical plumes in shear flow, and analyze the data with quantitative image- and data-analysis pipelines.
• Test clinically relevant bacteria and freshwater (e.g. lake) bacteria, to assess the potential for chemotaxis-driven spread of resistance in the environment.
• Contribute data to mathematical models of plasmid spread.

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ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

We look forward to receiving your online application by December 15th, 2026, including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter (max one page, including brief motivation, research interests and possible start date)
• Full transcript from undergraduate studies (both Bachelor and Masters, including grades)
• Copy of Master’s or Bachelor’s thesis (PDF)
• At least two reference letters

Further information about The Stocker Lab can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr Stefano Ugolini, gugolini@ethz.ch (no applications).

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
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