Professor position in Microbiology (80-100%)

(Bacteriology/Virology/Parasitology/Mycology)

The Faculty of Science and Medicine of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, announces the opening of a position of Professor in Microbiology, 80-100%, open-rank, (Bacteriology/Virology/Parasitology/Mycology).

GENERAL CONDITIONS

The successful candidate (MD or PhD) should be a specialist in microbiology and have a broad experience in research and teaching at a university level.

The professorship consists of 80-100% academic activity at the University.

Qualified applicants must have an outstanding track record of independent research in a field of microbiology that is relevant for human disease and medical sciences.

The applicant should have a habilitation or equivalent, in addition to a strong track record of independent research in the field of microbiology. The candidate is expected to develop an internationally recognized competitive research programme sustained by external funding.

The research will be developed, based on the academic expertise of the candidate. Given the different interests between the research groups in Fribourg, synergies within the Faculty of Science and Medicine will be encouraged. The future professor will also supervise Master theses, Doctorates (PhD), and participate in the promotion of upcoming scientists and academics.

The future professor will take part in the current educational programme at Bachelor and Master levels. The appointed candidate is expected to play an active role in the teaching of a full curriculum of Bachelor of Medicine (BMed) and Biomedical Sciences (BMS), as well as the master program „Experimental Biomedical research“ (EBR). The future professor should have a strong record in teaching. The ideal candidate is expected to speak French or German, or otherwise is willing to acquire the necessary language skills within a reasonable period.

Good organizational and communication skills are also expected, as well as a track record of effective team working and collaborative efforts, including local and international networks.

The University of Fribourg is an equal opportunity employer. Seeking to promote an equitable representation of women and men, the university strongly encourages applications from women.

Having signed the DORA declaration, the University of Fribourg emphasizes qualitative assessment of academic achievement.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Please apply exclusively via the official Faculty of Science and Medicine – University of Fribourg recruiting tool, by clicking on the following link: https://scimed-recruiting.unifr.ch

Application deadline: 31.01.2027

The following documents should be uploaded via the following weblink above:

a. A cover/motivation letter specifying the position applied for (Professor in Microbiology), addressed to the Dean, Prof. Michael Walch, President of the Search Committee.

b. A complete curriculum vitae, including a copy of the highest degree diploma and indication of leadership experience.

c. A full publication list, with the five most important contributions highlighted.

d. The five most important publications.

e. A record of past and present funding.

f. A two-page description of future research plans.

g. A statement and record of teaching experience and interests.

h. An overview of infrastructure needs.

i. The names and full contact details of three referees.

ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT

The Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (DepOMI) is one of the five departments and one institute of the Section of Medicine at the University of Fribourg. The Medicine Section belongs to a joint Faculty of Science and Medicine of the University of Fribourg, which facilitates cooperation between medicine and basic science disciplines such as physics, chemistry or biology and offers many possibilities for collaboration and shared use of infrastructure. The DepOMI is active in teaching, basic and translational research and continuing education in microbiology, pathology, anatomy, immunology and pharmacology, among others. We strive to provide a stimulating, collaborative and friendly environment to allow researchers to carry out competitive and innovative science. We use English in the daily communication.

Sections and Departments

The Faculty of Science and Medicine is organized into two sections, each of which contains multiple departments and institutes, which are sometimes interdisciplinary. In addition, the Faculty fosters connections with some interfaculty institutes and centers. The Science Section is composed of six departments and one institute, the Medicine Section is composed of five departments and one institute (see https://www.unifr.ch/scimed/fr/org).

The Medicine Section of the Faculty of Science and Medicine hosts currently 28 professors, distributed into five research departments: Endocrinology, Metabolic Science and Cardiovascular System (EMC), Medicine and community health and the Institute of Family Medicine (MPH), Medical-Surgical Specialties (MSS), Neurosciences and Movement Science (NMS), and Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI).

The section covers different teaching domains, namely Macroanatomy, Histology, Physiology, Immunology, Sport Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences (Pathology, Microbiology and Pharmacology), Clinical Medicine (Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Psychiatry, and Family Medicine), Medical Humanities as well as expertise in Medical Education. Clinical teaching is ensured in collaboration with the HFR (Hôpital Fribourgeois) and the RFSM (Réseau Fribourgeois de Santé Mentale) and the general practitioners.

A president who is elected for 2 years amongst its professors leads the Medicine Section. Major decisions are taken by the Section Council, which includes the teaching staff and student representatives.

Study programmes

The Medicine Section offers three-year Bachelor degree curricula: a BMed in Human Medicine, a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and a BSc in Sport Sciences and Motor Control. In addition, two 1.5-year Master degree curricula are offered: an MSc in Sport Sciences and a specialized MSc in Experimental Biomedical Research. Started in September 2019, the Master of Medicine prepares 40 medical students for the Swiss federal licencing examination (FLE) and is characterized by a strong interest in Family Medicine.

PhD students of the Section Medicine can be enrolled in the PhD programme „Fribourg Graduate School of Life Science (FGLM)“, which is jointly organized with the Dep. of Biology (https://www.unifr.ch/bio/en/studies/graduate-school-fglm/).

Research

Research currently conducted in the Medicine Section embraces a variety of topics, at the moment concentrated in 6 clusters: (i) cancer, immunology and microbiology; (ii) neuroscience; (iii) cardiovascular system, metabolism and endocrinology; (iv) medical humanities; (v) medical education and (vi) community and family medicine. Further research clusters are foreseen and will rely on the orientations of the futures professors. Please find further information on present research groups Medicine Section (https://www.unifr.ch/med/de/research/overview.html).

Languages

The University of Fribourg is bilingual. Teaching to students at the Bachelor level is in French or in German. Students are expected to understand both languages but can take their exams in either language. Master of Science and PhD programmes are taught mainly in English. Candidates are expected to have a working knowledge of one the three languages and should be willing to acquire such knowledge within a few years.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND FUNDING

Rooms and facilities

The Professor of Microbiology and his/her research Unit will have their offices and laboratories in the Pérolles Campus of the University of Fribourg. The surface of wet lab (P2) for the Microbiology Section is approximately 300 square meters (250 m2 of regular, state-of-the-art lab space and a security P3 level lab of 50 m2) as well as offices (ca. 100 m2). The available laboratory is already equipped with standard microbiology laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, biological hoods, fridges and freezers. The new professor will have full access to a wide range of shared equipment and will have access to imaging, flow cytometry and metabolomics/proteomics core facilities of the Faculty of Science and Medicine using state-of- the-art equipment, as well as dedicated space in a rodent facility if required.

Computers

The University’s computer service supplies all Departmental members (academic and technical staff) with state-of-the-art PCs or Macs and appropriate office, reference, statistical and graphics software. Specific research software can also be supported for research purposes, and in this case, a request to the DIT (Direction Informatics) must be made.

POSITIONS

The personnel associated with the professorship consists of a 182% AO position (can be used for one AO and one AI = Ph.D. student or consolidated one MA = maître assistant; for the

current position, a stabilized MA has already been established, and the MA is currently employed in the Department), a 100% Laboratory technician and a 25% secretary.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Set-up funding

Installation credit for research activities, according to the needs, the usual amounts of the Faculty and the resources available;

Resources for computing material will be at the new professor’s disposal.

Running expenses

Participation in the annual credits (operating, equipment, informatics, library);

Separate credits for teaching activities.

CONTACT

Contact for further information:

Prof. Michael Walch (Dean-SciMed@unifr.ch)

Dean of the Faculty of Science and Medicine University of Fribourg Chemin du Musée 8, CH-1700 FRIBOURG / Switzerland.