Job Opportunity: Laboratory Technician at Stocker Lab, ETH Zurich
The Stocker Lab at ETH Zurich, located within 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 opportunities for continuation thereafter.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in our project focused on developing next-generation microbial technologies for degrading persistent pollutants, such as PFAS. By utilizing environmental isolates and advanced microbial screening techniques, we engineer bacterial consortia for use in industrial and environmental bioremediation. This position is essential 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 both 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 microbiological 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 the 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 research indicates women and individuals from marginalized groups often apply only when they meet all criteria. We encourage you to apply if you believe you are qualified, even if you do not meet every single requirement.
What We Offer
- A modern and well-equipped laboratory in a dynamic ETH Zurich environment.
- Hands-on learning opportunities 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 using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Contact Information
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Estelle Clerc at eclerc@ethz.ch (no applications).
Please be advised that the pre-selection process is conducted by responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.