Doctoral Researcher position (f/m/d)

The Institute of Physics offers a Doctoral Researcher position (f/m/d) Understanding microscopic mechanisms of the bacterial extracellular matrix formation Doctoral Researcher position (f/m/d)

• Application deadline: 15. March 2026
• Publication date: 5. February 2026
• Start-date: At the earliest possible date.
• Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
• Id no.: 00004837

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated and well-trained individual with a specific interest in biophysics, soft and complex matter, and microfluidics, for the biophysics and bio-microfluidics team at the Physics Institute of the University of Freiburg. 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. 

The position is limited to three years

 

Please submit your application, which should include a cover letter, CV, list of publications and university certificates (Master, Bachelor), or contact us if you require any further information.

Dr. Thomas Pfohl 

thomas.pfohl@physik.uni-freiburg.de 

The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents citing the reference number 00004837, by 15. March 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Thomas Pfohl
Physikalisches Institut
Universität of Freiburg
Hermann-Herder-Str. 3
D-79104 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Dr. Thomas Pfohl on the phone number +49 761 203-97779 or E-Mail thomas.pfohl@physik.uni-freiburg.de.