Technical Assistant or Lab Manager in the Research Laboratory for Predatory Bacteria (m/f/d) 50%
Universität Bern
Bern
Key information
- Publication date:19 November 2025
- Workload:50%
- Place of work:Bern
The Institute of Infectious Diseases at the University of Bern is active in teaching and research as well as diagnostic microbiology in the fields of virology, bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and serological infection diagnostics. It is the only university institute in Switzerland that unites all microbiological specialties of clinical microbiology under one roof.
The Institute of Infectious Diseases is looking for a technical assistant or lab manager (50%) for the research group "Predatory Bacteria" led by Dr. Simona Huwiler. The research group "Predatory Bacteria" of Dr. Simona Huwiler is being relocated from the University of Zurich (current location) to the University of Bern.
We are looking for
For the growing research group "Predatory Bacteria" we are looking for a flexible technical assistant or lab manager (50%) who is motivated to work in an interdisciplinary laboratory. The position is to be filled from April 1, 2026.
Your main tasks
The increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections requires new treatment strategies, such as 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 basic research on predatory bacteria with the goal of understanding the microbial interaction between predator and prey. We use a wide range of technologies from genetic engineering, microbiology, microscopy, OMICs technologies, and protein interaction.
Your profile
- High motivation to contribute to the lab's vision of using predatory bacteria for the benefit of human health (novel "living antibiotics" and drugs)
- Previous experience in general laboratory organization (e.g., writing standard operating procedures), purchasing and resource management, laboratory safety and compliance (ensuring safe handling of microbes).
- Ideally, you have already participated in organizing events or conferences
- Previous experience in bacterial cell culture, molecular cloning, and microscopy
- You are a great team player; the research group values an inclusive and open team spirit. Thanks to your strong communication skills, you can work effectively in a collaborative project
- You learn quickly and are able to develop new research protocols
- You can work independently and cooperatively, seek help when needed, and work in an organized manner
- Basic knowledge of German and English is required (working language in the lab is English)
We offer
- An exciting and stimulating work environment
- The opportunity to contribute to exciting findings in research projects on predatory bacteria in a newly emerging research field
- Supportive colleagues, guided onboarding into the research topic, and direct support from an experienced group leader
- Access to a state-of-the-art microscope (widefield and confocal with super-resolution) directly in the research lab
- Attractive salary according to the salary guidelines of the Canton of Bern
- A cooperative and enthusiastic research team that values diversity and equality
Application information
We look forward to receiving your application, which consists of two parts and must be submitted by December 4, 2025 (11:59 PM CET). Please fill out the form at https://forms.office.com/e/vV3tU3ZkFG and additionally send your application documents in PDF format to simona.huwiler@alumni.ethz.ch with the subject "TA-50 predatory bacteria".
This single application file (all in one PDF file, max. 5 MB) should contain the following (in this order):
1) Curriculum vitae
2) Diplomas and work certificates
3) Names and contact details of two references (address, relationship to the applicant, and email)
Applications will be reviewed at the beginning of December and only the six best candidates will be contacted for online interviews in December 2025. We look forward to your application!