Laboratory Technician Position at D-BAUG
The Stocker Lab at ETH Zurich, part of the Institute of Environmental Engineering, is seeking a skilled and motivated laboratory technician (e.g., EFZ Biology or Chemical Laboratory Technician) to join our team from September 1st, 2025, until the end of April 2026, with possibilities for continuation thereafter.
The successful candidate will contribute to our project aimed at developing next-generation microbial technologies for the degradation of persistent pollutants such as PFAS. By utilizing environmental isolates and advanced microbial screening techniques, we engineer bacterial consortia for both industrial and environmental bioremediation. This position is crucial for ensuring high-quality laboratory workflows and experimental continuity.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare sterile growth media, buffer solutions, and stock reagents.
- Perform microbiological tasks including pipetting, sterile work, plating, microscopy, and gram staining.
- Cultivate and maintain bacterial strains under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
- Conduct DNA extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
- Support sequencing workflows (Sanger and Illumina).
- Assist with flow cytometry and analytical procedures (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS, UPLC - training will be provided).
- Document and manage sample inventories and experimental data.
- Support our Biosafety officer in maintaining lab infrastructure, ordering supplies, and ensuring general lab cleanliness.
- Collaborate with scientists and students to ensure smooth project execution.
Required Qualifications
- Completed apprenticeship (EFZ) as a biology lab technician, chemical lab technician, or equivalent.
- Experience with microbial culture work (plating, streaking, liquid cultures).
- Basic knowledge of molecular biology workflows (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR).
- Familiarity with laboratory safety and sterile techniques.
- Good organizational skills and ability to work independently.
- Strong team player with a proactive mindset.
- English proficiency (C1 or higher).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with analytical instruments (e.g., LC-MS/MS, flow cytometry, UPLC).
- Experience with anaerobic cultivation or enrichment cultures.
- Familiarity with sequencing workflows (16S, Illumina, Sanger).
- Previous experience in environmental microbiology and bioremediation is a plus.
Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. If you believe you are qualified, we encourage you to apply online using the form below.
What We Offer
- A modern and well-equipped laboratory in a dynamic ETH Zurich environment.
- Hands-on learning and room for growth.
- Involvement in cutting-edge environmental and microbiological R&D.
- Flexible working conditions and opportunities for skill development.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- Copies of your EFZ diploma and any relevant transcripts or certificates
- Contact information for professional references
For any questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Estelle Clerc at eclerc@ethz.ch.
Please note that applications submitted via email or postal services will not be considered. We emphasize that the pre-selection process is carried out by our dedicated recruitment team.
For recruitment services, the General Terms and Conditions of ETH Zurich apply.