Bioinformatician / Bioinformaticianess

Bioinformatician in Microbiome Research

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich is currently seeking a highly motivated and organized **Bioinformatician** to join our **Microbiome Research Lab**. This role involves supporting multiple experimental and computational research groups and contributing to both a collaborative research network and institute-wide activities, including data management and the maintenance of computational infrastructure and software.

Project Background

This position is part of the Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich and is closely linked to projects within the NCCR Microbiomes. The NCCR Microbiomes is a nationwide, interdisciplinary research programme that unites experimental and computational researchers with the aim of understanding and engineering the structure, function, and dynamics of microbiomes across various biological and environmental systems.

Several research groups at the Institute of Microbiology contribute to the NCCR Microbiomes. As a Bioinformatician, your central role will be to support collaborative research projects through advanced data analysis, interpretation, and visualization using reproducible computational workflows. Additionally, you will assist with institute-wide bioinformatics activities like data management and maintaining shared computational infrastructure, all of which are vital for efficient and sustainable microbiome research.

Job Description

The scope of responsibilities will be tailored to the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Key responsibilities include:

• Support and contribute to research projects of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers by applying and advising on appropriate bioinformatics, biostatistics, and modeling approaches.
• Perform and support the analysis, integration, and visualization of multi-omics data (e.g., genomics, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and imaging data).
• Collaborate with experimental and computational researchers on study design, data interpretation, and the development of reproducible computational workflows.
• Support research data management, including data organization, storage, documentation, and submission to relevant repositories.
• Contribute to the maintenance and further development of shared computational and IT infrastructure in collaboration with IT staff and senior bioinformaticians.
• Support the training of Institute of Microbiology members in bioinformatics and computational biology through individual consultations and the organization of training sessions (e.g., workshops); more experienced candidates may take on a leading role in these activities.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of bioinformatics tools, pipelines, and methods for biological data analysis; experienced candidates are encouraged to initiate and lead method development projects.

This project-based position is initially offered for one year, with the possibility of extension on an annual basis, depending on project duration and funding.

Profile

We welcome applicants from recent MSc graduates, as well as candidates with a PhD and/or several years of relevant professional experience in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field. The ideal candidate should possess:

• A solid background in bioinformatics and/or computational biology, with experience in analyzing biological data.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, along with the capacity to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Programming skills in one or more relevant languages (e.g., Python, R, Bash).
• Experience with the analysis of omics data (e.g., genomics, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics); familiarity with additional data types is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Linux-based computing environments; experience with high-performance computing (HPC) systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of reproducible research practices, including workflow management and version control (e.g., Git).

Depending on experience, candidates may also demonstrate:

• Experience in data management and submission to public repositories.
• Experience in maintaining bioinformatics pipelines, software environments, or computational infrastructure.
• Experience in training or mentoring students and researchers in bioinformatics or computational biology.
• Initiative in developing bioinformatics tools, methods, or workflows.

Workplace

The Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich offers a stimulating research environment, recognized as one of the world's leading institutions in science and technology. You will benefit from integration into a diverse, interdisciplinary research network and will have access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and bioinformatics resources.

We Offer

• A stimulating research environment at the Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich.
• Integration into an internationally visible, interdisciplinary research network, including close interaction with projects within the NCCR Microbiomes.
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment with researchers from diverse scientific and cultural backgrounds.
• Access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and bioinformatics resources.
• Opportunities for professional development, skills training, and career advancement.
• Support for participation in scientific meetings, workshops, and training activities.
• Competitive salary and benefits in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations.
• A flexible working schedule that accommodates personal needs.
• A culture of collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity, where everyone feels valued and respected.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture and promotes equality of opportunity. We nurture a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is also a core value for us, and we are committed to working toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further information about the workplace and the NCCR Microbiomes can be found on the websites and the group webpage of the Microbiome Research Lab.

Questions regarding the position (not applications) can be directed to Prof. Shinichi Sunagawa (ssunagawa@ethz.ch), Dr. Hans-Joachim Ruscheweyh (hansr@ethz.ch), and Dr. Anna Sintsova (ansintsova@biol.ethz.ch).

**Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.**

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and fosters an environment that inspires excellence.