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 institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Postdoc Position in Human Organoid-Based High-Throughput Systems for Anti-Infective Drug Discovery

Mission

We are excited to announce an open postdoc position on a groundbreaking project focused on the development of novel organoid-based infection models for antimicrobial discovery. Our lab has developed novel organoid systems to investigate infections by the antibiotic resistant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The project will be focused on creating high throughput human lung microtissue models for drug discovery and genetic screens. The postdoc will take advantage of state-of-the-art microfabrication, prototyping and bioprinting facilities available in the lab and at EPFL. This innovative project aims to revolutionize the discovery of new anti-infective drugs and to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying antimicrobial resistance. The project will include opportunities to interact with a clinical team developing novel phage therapies against resistant P. aeruginosa and many other problematic pathogens.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design and engineering of high throughput human lung organoid infection mode
• Automation of the sample preparation process using fluid and plate handling robotics.
• Development of high throughput microscopy system
• Data analysis and interpretation, with a strong emphasis on automated image processing.
• Application to discovery of anti-infective compounds.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and researchers to integrate findings into broader anti-infective drug discovery efforts. Collaborative projects will include screening for therapeutic phage for direct clinical applications and in silico drug development using advanced AI-based methods.

Profile

• PhD (or nearing completion of) in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Sciences or related field.
• Strong track record in tissue engineering, bioprinting, organoids and/or microfabrication for biological applications.
• Experience with microscopy, image analysis tools and standard coding skills.

We offer

• A stimulating and international working environment
• Competitive salary and excellent working conditions - more information can be found on our website (https://www.epfl.ch/campus/services/human-resources/en/basic-starting-salary-of-doctoral-assistants-and-postdocs/'))
• Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe.
• Opportunity to interact with internationally renowned experts, and with a strong team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates

Informations

To apply, please submit your application, including a CV, a cover letter, and contact information for three references.

For further information please contact alexandre.persat@ epfl.ch

Activity Rate: 100 %

Contract Type: CDD

Reference: 1465