Organisation/Company University of Fribourg Department Chemistry Research Field Physics » Biophysics Chemistry » Physical chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 1 Dec 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Brussels) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Open Postdoc position in the group of Pascal Bertsch, University of Fribourg, within the ERC project GI-CORONA.
About the project
How do dietary lipids and lipid-based drug delivery systems interact with the complex biochemical environment of the gastrointestinal tract? And how do these interactions influence lipid digestion and drug delivery? The ERC Starting Grant project GI-CORONA aims to answer these questions by investigating the formation and biological function of the gastrointestinal biocorona on liquid lipid interfaces.
Your role
We are looking for a highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher. You will establish the experimental foundations of GI-CORONA by developing and validating methods to recover lipids from complex gastrointestinal fluids, quantitatively characterize their associated biomolecules, and unravel their impact on digestion and drug delivery. You will have considerable scientific independence in shaping the experimental strategy and will work closely with the principal investigator and, subsequently, a PhD researcher.
Your profile
We are seeking a candidate with a PhD in food science, colloid and interface science, pharmaceutical sciences, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related discipline. This is a highly interdisciplinary project. Candidates are not expected to be experts in every aspect of the project.i A strong foundation in colloid science, lipid systems, or analytical chemistry, combined with the motivation to develop complementary skills, is highly valued.
Experience in the following areas is of particular value:
- A strong background in experimental colloid research involving lipids, i.e., emulsions, liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, or related soft-matter systems
- Experience in colloidal characterization using imaging, rheological, and scattering techniques, particularly focusing on interfacial characterization
- Experience with in vitro (lipid) digestion setups (INFOGEST)
- Experience in analytical chemistry, particularly liquid chromatography for the detection of drugs, peptides, or biomolecules. Proteomics and lipidomics experience are a plus
- Experience with the design of (lipid-based) drug delivery systems, i.e., drug encapsulation, stability, and release studies. Cell culture, intestinal permeability assays, or drug-release and bioavailability studies are a plus
Other relevant skills:
- A demonstrated ability to plan and execute independent research and critically interpret experimental data
- Strong scientific writing and communication skills (English) and demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results in research articles and conference contributions
- Ability to work in a collaborative interdisciplinary team
What we offer
- The opportunity to lead the experimental development of an ambitious, internationally competitive research project funded by Horizon Europe
- Scientific independence and the opportunity to establish an independent research direction. The submission of personal career grants is highly encouraged and supported
- Opportunity to co-supervise a PhD student
- Access to interdisciplinary expertise and advanced analytical and structural characterization techniques
- An international and collaborative research environment at the University of Fribourg
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