Job Opportunity: Laboratory Technician
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 the possibility of 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, we engineer bacterial consortia for industrial and environmental bioremediation. This position is crucial for ensuring high-quality laboratory workflows and maintaining 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.
A note: research indicates that women and individuals from marginalized groups tend to apply only when they meet all of the criteria. If you believe you’re qualified, but do not necessarily check every box, please apply online using the form below.
What We Offer:
- A modern and well-equipped laboratory within a dynamic ETH Zurich environment.
- Hands-on learning and opportunities 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. Please include the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- Copies of your EFZ diploma and any relevant transcripts or certificates
- Contact information for professional references
Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Estelle Clerc at eclerc@ethz.ch (no applications).
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.