A prestigious postdoctoral research opportunity has just opened at one of the world’s most respected scientific institutions. The Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology (Blokesch Lab) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) is currently seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join their cutting-edge research team in Switzerland.
This position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), remunerated according to EPFL standards, and is open to qualified researchers from around the world. If you have a strong background in microbiology and a passion for discovery-driven science, this could be your next career-defining step.
💼 Position Overview
The Blokesch Lab at EPFL is a world-leading research group in the School of Life Sciences, Global Health Institute. The lab focuses on fundamental questions in bacterial biology — particularly how bacteria transfer genetic material, compete with each other, and respond to environmental stressors.
The newly advertised postdoctoral position (2026 onwards) is part of an exciting research programme on horizontal gene transfer (HGT) — specifically how pandemic and non-pandemic strains of Vibrio cholerae (the bacterium responsible for cholera) transmit gene cassettes and genomic islands that enable the bacteria to defend against external threats and acquire new functions.
The lab is situated on the beautiful EPFL campus by Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland — offering a vibrant, international, and highly collaborative scientific environment.
💼 Salary & Benefits
- Position is funded by the SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation) — one of the most prestigious research funding bodies in Europe
- Remunerated according to EPFL postdoctoral salary standards — Swiss postdoc salaries typically range from CHF 80,000 to CHF 95,000 per year (approximately USD 88,000–105,000), among the highest for researchers in Europe
- Access to world-class laboratory facilities and equipment at EPFL
- Opportunity to apply for individual fellowships to strengthen your CV and career prospects
- Working language is English — no French required for lab work
- Located in Lausanne, Switzerland — consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world
💼 Research Focus
The postdoctoral researcher will work on projects related to:
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) — including natural competence, conjugation, and transduction in Vibrio cholerae
- Type VI secretion systems — a bacterial weapon used for interbacterial competition
- Bacterial defense systems — how bacteria resist external stressors and acquire new defensive functions
- Mobile genetic elements — gene cassettes, genomic islands, integrons, and their transmission
- Phage biology and microbial cell biology — understanding bacteriophage interactions with bacteria
- Contact-dependent and contact-independent competition mechanisms — including antibiotics, microcins, and phenazines
This research builds on several recent landmark publications from the Blokesch Lab, including papers in Science, eLife, Nature, and Nature Microbiology — placing the lab firmly at the frontier of global microbiology research.
💼 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- A completed PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, bacterial genetics, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline
- A proven track record of scientific excellence — evidenced by high-quality peer-reviewed publications
- Strong experimental skills and experience in a research laboratory setting
- Genuine enthusiasm for discovery-driven research and a high level of dedication
- Prior experience with Vibrio genetics is an advantage but not a strict requirement
- All nationalities are welcome — EPFL is an internationally diverse institution
- English proficiency is essential as it is the working language of the laboratory — no formal test scores are specified, but fluency is expected
💼 Who Should Apply
This position is ideal for:
- Researchers who have recently completed or are about to complete their PhD in microbiology or molecular biology
- Scientists with publications in high-impact journals looking to advance their careers at a world-leading institution
- Researchers interested in bacterial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic transfer mechanisms
- International scientists looking for a well-funded, English-language postdoc in Europe
- Ambitious candidates willing to apply for individual fellowships to complement their position
Also open continuously:
In addition to this specific funded position, the Blokesch Lab always considers:
- Self-funded postdoctoral fellows — candidates who can support part of their salary through external fellowship allocations. Laboratory and experimental costs are covered by the lab. An excellent publication track record is required
- PhD students — highly motivated candidates with a strong background in microbiology or molecular biology can apply to join the lab through EPFL’s EDMS (Molecular Life Sciences) or EDBB (Biotechnology and Bioengineering) doctoral programmes
- Any level candidates who bring their own funding are always encouraged to get in touch
💼 Available PhD Entry Routes at EPFL
For PhD candidates interested in joining the Blokesch Lab, two doctoral programme routes are available:
- EDMS — Doctoral Programme in Molecular Life Sciences
- EDBB — Doctoral Programme in Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Both are highly competitive, fully funded EPFL doctoral programmes open to international students. Admission is through the respective programme portals.
💼 Required Application Documents
Submit a single PDF file containing all of the following:
- Cover letter — outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and motivation for joining the Blokesch Lab
- Detailed CV — including a full and complete list of your publications
- Research proposal (maximum 2 pages) — aligned with ongoing projects in the lab, focusing on horizontal gene transfer, mobile genetic elements, integrons, and/or interbacterial competition mechanisms
- Names and contact information of at least 2 referees who have agreed to provide recommendation letters
💼 Application Process
- Prepare your complete application as a single PDF file (cover letter + CV + research proposal + referees)
- Send your application by email to Prof. Melanie Blokesch at EPFL
- Use the subject line: “Postdoc Application – Blokesch Lab”
- For general inquiries about the position, email Prof. Blokesch with the subject line: “Postdoc Inquiry – Blokesch Lab”
Application review has already begun and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply as soon as possible — do not wait for a formal deadline.
💼 Important Dates
| Detail | Information |
| Position Available | 2026 onwards |
| Application Deadline | Rolling — open until filled |
| Review Process | Begins immediately upon application |
| Location | EPFL Campus, Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Contract Type | Postdoctoral Research Position |
💼 Why Apply / Why Join EPFL
EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) is consistently ranked among the top 15 universities in the world and is one of Europe’s most innovative and internationally connected research institutions. Here is why this opportunity stands out:
- World-class research environment — EPFL hosts over 350 laboratories and research groups across all scientific disciplines
- Highly international community — over 60% of EPFL’s students and staff are from outside Switzerland
- English-language workplace — no French required in most research labs
- Exceptional salary — Swiss postdoc salaries are among the highest in Europe
- Lake Geneva location — Lausanne is a stunning, safe, and vibrant city on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by the Alps
- Career-launching publications — working in the Blokesch Lab means contributing to research that has appeared in Nature, Science, and other top journals
- Networking opportunities — EPFL’s size and reputation attract top researchers and visiting scientists from around the globe
💼 Official Source
For full position details, the PDF job description, and to apply:
👉 Blokesch Lab Open Positions – EPFL Official Page
👉 Download Full Postdoc Position PDF
💼 Position Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Institution | EPFL — École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne |
| Lab | Blokesch Lab – Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology |
| Country | Switzerland 🇨🇠|
| Funding | SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation) |
| Salary | EPFL standard (~CHF 80,000–95,000/year) |
| Field | Molecular Microbiology, Bacterial Genetics, HGT |
| Language | English |
| Open To | All Nationalities |
| Deadline | Rolling — apply immediately |
| Contact | Prof. Melanie Blokesch, EPFL |
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