University of Freiburg
PhD position - Understanding microscopic biophysical mechanisms of the bacterial
University of Freiburg, Germantown, Ohio, United States
Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Engineering » Chemical engineering
Engineering » Biomedical engineering
Organisation/Company University of Freiburg Department Institute of Physics Research Field Physics » Biophysics Biological sciences » Biological engineering Chemistry » Physical chemistry Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Biomedical engineering Engineering » Microengineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 1 Dec 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 17 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Bacterial biofilms are ubiquitous and play a critical role in many aspects of human life. They help us to digest food and keep our teeth clean, but they can also cause deadly hospital-acquired infections and large-scale industrial problems such as clogging oil pipes and slowing down cruise ships. One of the key hallmarks of a biofilm is the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is secreted by the aggregating bacteria to encapsulate and integrate them as a whole. Remarkably, despite decades of research on bacterial ECM, while its components and responsible genes are relatively well characterized for many bacterial species, the sequential process of multicomponent ECM formation in the extracellular space remains unclear. In this project, the interdisciplinary team will combine their expertise in bio-microfluidics (Thomas Pfohl, Physics Institute, University of Freiburg), bacterial ECM mechanobiology and biochemistry (Liraz Chai, Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and theoretical modeling (Vasily Zaburdaev Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen) in order to decipher the chronology and microscopic mechanisms of bacterial ECM formation. This project will uncover the hitherto unknown mechano-physico-chemical mechanisms that lead to ECM formation – the key component that cements bacterial biofilms together – thus providing novel insights into their physiology. For the
biophysical experiments
at the
Physics Institute of the University of Freiburg,
combining microfluidics with biophysical characterization using high resolution microscopy, fluctuation analysis and microrheology, we are seeking a highly motivated and well‑trained individual with a specific interest in biophysics, soft and complex matter, and microfluidics. Ideally, candidates should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and a multidisciplinary educational background, and possess a Master's degree in physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, nanoscience, or a closely related discipline. Where to apply
E-mail thomas.pfohl@physik.uni-freiburg.de Requirements
Research Field Physics » Biophysics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Languages ENGLISH Level Good Languages GERMAN Level Basic Additional Information
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Freiburg, Institute of Physics Country Germany City Freiburg Postal Code 79104 Street Hermann-Herder-Strasse 3 Geofield
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Bacterial biofilms are ubiquitous and play a critical role in many aspects of human life. They help us to digest food and keep our teeth clean, but they can also cause deadly hospital-acquired infections and large-scale industrial problems such as clogging oil pipes and slowing down cruise ships. One of the key hallmarks of a biofilm is the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is secreted by the aggregating bacteria to encapsulate and integrate them as a whole. Remarkably, despite decades of research on bacterial ECM, while its components and responsible genes are relatively well characterized for many bacterial species, the sequential process of multicomponent ECM formation in the extracellular space remains unclear. In this project, the interdisciplinary team will combine their expertise in bio-microfluidics (Thomas Pfohl, Physics Institute, University of Freiburg), bacterial ECM mechanobiology and biochemistry (Liraz Chai, Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and theoretical modeling (Vasily Zaburdaev Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen) in order to decipher the chronology and microscopic mechanisms of bacterial ECM formation. This project will uncover the hitherto unknown mechano-physico-chemical mechanisms that lead to ECM formation – the key component that cements bacterial biofilms together – thus providing novel insights into their physiology. For the
biophysical experiments
at the
Physics Institute of the University of Freiburg,
combining microfluidics with biophysical characterization using high resolution microscopy, fluctuation analysis and microrheology, we are seeking a highly motivated and well‑trained individual with a specific interest in biophysics, soft and complex matter, and microfluidics. Ideally, candidates should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and a multidisciplinary educational background, and possess a Master's degree in physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, nanoscience, or a closely related discipline. Where to apply
E-mail thomas.pfohl@physik.uni-freiburg.de Requirements
Research Field Physics » Biophysics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Languages ENGLISH Level Good Languages GERMAN Level Basic Additional Information
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Freiburg, Institute of Physics Country Germany City Freiburg Postal Code 79104 Street Hermann-Herder-Strasse 3 Geofield
#J-18808-Ljbffr