Assistant Professorship (Non-Tenure Track) for Culturomics (Culture-Based Microbiology) at the Institute for Infectious Diseases

Promising candidates possess an interdisciplinary profile that combines outstanding microbiological expertise with excellent bioinformatics and/or systems biology knowledge. Individuals with diverse academic backgrounds, including biologists, human microbiologists, specialists in laboratory medicine (e.g., FAMH), bioinformaticians, human physicians, veterinarians, or pharmacists with a doctorate (PhD, MD-PhD) and at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience or a comparable qualification may meet the requirements. Excellent scientific achievements in the fields of Culturomics or culture-based microbiology in the broadest sense are expected, demonstrated by high-ranking publications and – commensurate with academic age – successful acquisition of third-party funding.

Applicants must have extensive experience in microbial culture, and additional expertise in microbial metabolomics and metagenomics is highly desirable. Experience in AI, machine learning, and digital imaging, image recognition is an advantage. Knowledge in diagnostic research and analytical skills are desired. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to academic teaching and the development of modern learning concepts, supervise students at different academic levels, and demonstrate excellent communication and social skills to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, the candidate should actively support gender equality, diversity, and the mentoring of young researchers. A solid understanding of the One Health approach, openness to innovative technologies, and interdisciplinary projects are considered beneficial.

The responsibilities of the position include establishing an internationally competitive and innovative research program in the field of Culturomics or culture-based microbiology, designing and conducting courses in human medicine, dentistry, and natural sciences (Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs), as well as establishing and maintaining interdisciplinary and international collaborations. In addition, the acquisition of competitive third-party funding to secure research funding is expected.

The University of Bern offers access to state-of-the-art, internationally leading research infrastructure and expertise, including robotic high-throughput cultivation and diagnostics, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics, and gnotobiotics (Clean Mouse Facility). A dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment with strong national and international networking, as well as support for third-party funding acquisition, academic development, and the implementation of entrepreneurship ideas, make this position particularly attractive.

The University of Bern aims to increase the proportion of women in academic leadership positions and therefore especially encourages female candidates to apply. Applications for job sharing are possible; interested parties are requested to submit a corresponding concept. Flexible working time models: Job-sharing - Work-life-balance ( https://www.vereinbarkeit.unibe.ch/flex_working_time_models/job_sharing/index_eng.html )

Applications must be submitted electronically to the Dean's Office of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bern via this link by June 13, 2025:
https://www.recruiting.medizin.unibe.ch/positiondetails/12648451