The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a world-leading institute in global health with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. Associated with the University of Basel, Swiss TPH combines research, education and services at local, national and international level. 950 staff and students from 95 nations work at Swiss TPH focusing on climate change, environment and health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, societal and cultural context, and health systems and policies.

The Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology (MPI) investigates the biology and transmission of pathogens. Findings from this research inform the development of new diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines against malaria, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, Chagas and other neglected tropical diseases. Within the Parasite Chemotherapy Unit of MPI, we are looking for a

 

PhD student in Drug discovery for Trypanosoma cruzi (100%)

 

for the research project «Towards cidal drugs for T. cruzi: new tools, new targets, new molecules». This project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The successful applicant will be based at the Swiss TPH and registered for a PhD degree at the University of Basel, Switzerland.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease of global impact. The aim of the project is to characterize new lead molecules against Chagas disease, find out how they work, and devise drug combinations that provide synergistic and cidal action against the parasite.

 

YOUR VARIOUS RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Plan and carry out your own research in the frame of the Ph.D. project
• High standard of work in laboratory facilities of biosafety levels 1, 2 and 3
• Working and networking in an Academic setting closely linked to corporate research
• Obtain at least 18 ECTS credits in the course of the Ph.D. project

 

YOU SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS IN:

• Master’s degree in the Life Sciences
• Skills in cell biology and molecular biology
• Strong interest in infection biology & drug discovery
• Effective communication in spoken and written English
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in the lab

 

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Meaningful work in an international environment
• Great research project involving infection biology and drug discovery
• A state-of-the-art workplace in our new building on the dynamic BaseLink site in Allschwil
• Interesting encounters with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Being part of a committed and motivated team with short information and decision paths

 

JOB CONDITIONS:

• Start Date: Summer/Fall 2025
• Duration: limited contract of 3 years
• Percentage: 100%
• Location: Allschwil, Switzerland
• Travel required: yes – education and congress participation
• Internal job title: PhD student

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit your application online with:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Names and contact information (email or phone) of 1 – 2 references
• Reference letters and diploma

Swiss TPH strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values diversity in all its forms, including gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. Together, we can make the world a healthier place. We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that we can only accept applications via our online recruiting tool. As long as the position is online on our company website, we are open for new applications. Applications via e-mail or external recruiter will not be considered.

 

CONTACT:

Professor, Dr. Pascal Mäser, Head of parasite Chemotherapy, pascal.maeser@swisstph.ch for scientific inquiries regarding the position.

Christina Bucher, Senior Recruiting Partner, +41 (0)61 284 87 59 for administrative questions.