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 in CryoNanoSIMS Imaging

Mission

Funded for 2 years by the AntiResist National Centre of Competence in Research (https://www.nccr-antiresist.ch/), the Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry (https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lgb/) led by Prof. Anders Meibom is seeking strongly motivated candidates for a Postdoctoral position to study the distribution of antibiotics in human bacterial infection model systems, such as organoids and micro-tissues, using the novel CryoNanoSIMS instrument1,2

Main duties and responsibilities

A recent technological breakthrough1 has enabled correlation of cryo-SEM and CryoNanoSIMS images to produce artifact-free in situ maps of both insoluble and soluble cellular components (including elements and isotopically labeled molecules) in vitrified cells or tissues, with a pixel resolution of around 100 nm. This advancement now allows for precise imaging of the distribution of isotopically labeled pharmaceuticals within specific, highly controlled tissue environments, making it possible to assess whether these compounds reach their intended target(s). Within this project, the selected candidate will specifically develop the workflow for correlated cryo-SEM and CryoNanoSIMS imaging of isotopically labelled antibiotics used to treat Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginos infections of human bladder and lung tissue-models.

Ref: 1) Meibom et al. (2023), BMC Biology, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-023-01623-0. 2) Ramakrishna et al. (2025), Nature, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08403-y.

 

Profile

  • PhD in biology or related field
  • Experience with tissue models of relevance to antibiotic treatment as well as electron microscopy techniques would be a plus
  • CryoNanoSIMS experience is not a requirement, but the selected candidate is expected to have a keen interest in learning how to operate this instrument and data processing
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

We offer

  • Access to cutting-edge EM facilities at EPFL and the University of Lausanne
  • Collaboration with laboratories within NCCR AntiResist Network that hold world-class expertise in the development of the relevant tissue models
  • Competitive salary and excellent working conditions

 

EPFL is an international top ranking university, offering a stimulating, interdisciplinary, friendly work environment and hosts a vibrant entrepreneurial community. You will have access to a broad range of scientific training and networking events. EPFL is an equal-opportunity employer.

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered.

You are asked to supply a brief cover letter (PDF, up to 2 pages), a CV with publication list and contact details for 2-3 referees.

 

Contract Start Date : 08/01/2025 

Activity Rate  : 100.00 

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, renewable (the position is foreseen for 2 years) 

Reference: 1649