Technical assistant/lab manager in predatory bacteria research laboratory (m/f/d)
50 %

The Institute for Infectious Diseases at University of Bern performs tasks in teaching and research as well as in diagnostic microbiology in the fields of virology, bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and serological infection diagnosis. It is the only university institute in Switzerland to combine all microbiological specialties in the field of clinical microbiology under one roof.

The Institute for Infectious Diseases invites applications for a 50% technical assistant/ lab manager position in the predatory bacteria research group of Dr. Simona Huwiler. This position is planned to start on 1st April 2026 or later upon mutual agreement. The research group on predatory bacteria by Dr. Simona Huwiler will relocate from University of Zurich (currently) to University of Bern.

Tasks
Increasing numbers of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections call for new treatment strategies, like the use of natural predators of bacteria. Predatory bacteria kill other bacteria as prey, while some predatory bacteria invade the prey. The Predatory Bacteria Lab of Dr. Simona Huwiler conducts fundamental research on predatory bacteria with the aim to understand the microbial interaction of predator and prey. We use a broad range of technologies in genetic engineering, microbiology, microscopy, OMICs technologies and protein interaction.
For the growing research group we are looking for a flexible technical assistant/lab manager motivated to work in an interdisciplinary laboratory.
Requirements
  • high motivation to contribute to and support the overall goal of the lab to use predatory bacteria for the benefit of human health (novel 'living antibiotics' and drugs)
  • previous experience in general laboratory organization (like writing standard operating procedures), purchasing and resource management, lab safety and compliance (ensuring safe handling of microbes).
  • ideally you have previously helped to organize events or conferences
  • previous experience in bacterial cell culture, molecular cloning and microscopy
  • great team player, the research group values an inclusive and open team spirit
  • strong communication skills enable you to work effectively in a collaborative project
  • you are a fast learner and able to develop new research protocols
  • able to work independently and collaboratively, get help when required, and work in an organized way
  • Basic German and English language skills are required (English working language in the laboratory)
We offer
  • exciting and stimulating work environment
  • chance to contribute to generate exciting knowledge in research projects on predatory bacteria in a newly emerging research field
  • supportive colleagues, guided transition into the research topic and direct support by experienced group leader
  • access to a cutting-edge, high-end microscope (widefield and confocal with super resolution) within the research lab
  • highly competitive salary in accordance with the salary guidelines of the canton of Bern
  • collaborative and enthusiastic research team, valuing diversity and equality
Interested?
We look forward to receiving your application consisting of two parts until 4th December 2025 (23:59h CET). Please fill in the form available under https://forms.office.com/e/vV3tU3ZkFG and additionally send your PDF application file to simona.huwiler@alumni.ethz.ch with email subject "TA-50 predatory bacteria".
This one application file (all in one PDF file, max. 5 MB) should including the following (in this order):
1) CV
2) Diplomas and work certificates
3) Names and contact details of two reference persons (address, relation to applicant, and email)
Applications will be reviewed beginning of December and only the top six candidates will be contacted for online interviews in December 2025. We are looking forward to your application!


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