PhD Candidate in Metabolic Discovery and Mechanistic Physiology using Exhalomics in Dairy Cows

PhD Position in Metabolic Discovery and Mechanistic Physiology using Exhalomics in Dairy Cows

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Animal Nutrition group at ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD position focused on the interface of ruminant nutrition, animal health, and physiological phenotyping using the emerging non-invasive exhalomics (exhaled breath metabolomics) approach. This research program integrates animal experiments with advanced analytical techniques and bioinformatics to enhance the understanding and monitoring of physiological metabolism in dairy cows. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team led by Mutian Niu, benefiting from a state-of-the-art dairy research facility, a metabolic center, and high-resolution analytical platforms.

Project Background

The PhD student will work on three major research components centered around exhalomics and its application to animal physiology and health:

• Nutrient Metabolism in Dairy Cows: Conduct controlled nutritional experiments to evaluate how dietary factors influence rumen function and metabolic responses.
• Immune Challenges and Early Detection of Health Perturbations: Execute immune-related animal experiments using LPS challenges to examine how inflammatory states alter metabolic signatures in dairy cows.
• Large-Scale Exhalomics in Dairy Cows: Conduct observational studies comparing exhaled-breath profiles of healthy and hospitalized animals.

Across all three components, the project will involve high-resolution mass-spectrometry and complementary data streams to explore how exhaled metabolites reflect physiological status.

Job Description

• Conduct in vivo and in vitro experiments in collaboration with an experienced team.
• Perform physiological and metabolic sampling (rumen, breath, blood, fecal, urine, milk).
• Operate, integrate, extract, and interpret data from high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms.
• Organize, manage, and analyze large datasets, including bioinformatics.
• Communicate scientific results in written and oral form, including conference presentations.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate actively in group meetings and collaborative research discussions.
• Support other team members in their animal experiments and projects.

Profile

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Animal Science, Biology, Physiology, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, or related fields.
• Ability to perform structured, well-documented experimental work.
• Strong motivation to work with animals.
• Curiosity for science.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Proficient in English.

Desired Skills (but not required)

• Experience with nutritional, immunological (LPS), or metabolic models in animals.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques in biochemistry, metabolomics, or bioinformatics.
• Exposure to mass spectrometry or analytical chemistry tools.
• Proficiency in statistical, data-science, or bioinformatics tools.

Workplace

The successful candidate will have access to a stimulating research environment in a world-leading institution, with opportunities for professional growth, including conferences and collaborations with esteemed research organizations and industry partners.

We Offer

• A competitive salary in accordance with ETH Zurich standards, flexible working hours, and support for a healthy work-life balance.
• Membership in a diverse, international team committed to innovative, impactful science.

We at ETH Zurich are committed to building a diverse faculty and staff. We value and promote diversity and seek candidates who are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us; we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to your online application, including:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation and fit for the role.
• A detailed CV with publication list and relevant experience.
• BSc. and MSc. transcripts.
• A copy of your Master's thesis (if available).
• Contact details for 2-3 professional references.

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

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.