A position is open at the University Hospital Center in Lausanne (CHUV) for a
Ph.D. Student in Microbiology / Infectious Diseases
Starting immediately (or upon agreement) for a duration of 3 years.
The project is entitled Rapid, high throughput real-time single-cell determination of antimicrobial resistance using a miniaturized “lab-on-a-chip” device, funded by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF).
This interdisciplinary project involves clinical and diagnostic physicians at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and physicists at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). It aims at developing innovative methods for the rapid detection of pathogens and the identification of the most effective antimicrobial treatment by assessing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. These elements are essential for adequate treatment of infections and decreasing overall morbidity and mortality.
Novel microbiological methods will be developed and evaluated. The project will combine general and molecular microbiology techniques (bacterial cultures, phenotypic experiments, antibiotic susceptibility testing, etc.), detection of microbial activity by microcalorimetry (measurement of heat production) and assessment of bacterial physico-structural properties by atomic force microscopy. Microbiology and microcalorimetry techniques will be carried out at the CHUV, whereas atomic force microscopy will be performed in close collaboration with the EPFL team.
The research topic is both interdisciplinary and translational. Our findings may improve the diagnosis of infectious diseases by speeding up pathogen detection and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and ultimately lead to the development of a new diagnostic device.
We offer a pleasant and stimulating working environment in a young and motivated team, interdisciplinary collaboration with recognized institutions (CHUV, UNIL, EPFL) and opportunity for publication in high-ranking scientific journals. Ph.D. applicants must hold a master degree in natural sciences (biology, microbiology, biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy or related disciplines). Practical experience in microbiology is preferred.
High motivation, ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and social competence are expected. Salary is based according to the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) guidelines. Due to limited funds for candidate interviews, only applicants from European countries will be considered. The working language is English and French.
Applicants are encouraged to send their CV, copies of grades and diplomas, and contact information of 2-3 references to:
Dr. Alain Bizzini & Dr. Andrej Trampuz
Laboratory of Microbiology
University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV)
Rue de Bugnon 46
CH-1011 Lausanne
Switzerland
E-mail : Alain.Bizzini@chuv.ch
