PhD Candidate / PhD Candidate

PhD Position to Study Epigenomic Diversity and Altitude Adaptation in Arabis alpina

100%, Zurich, Fixed-term

The Plant Ecological Genetics (PEG) group at the Institute of Integrative Biology, led by Prof. Alex Widmer, focuses on plant ecology, genetics, and evolution to investigate the biodiversity of plants and fungi. This dynamic group comprises several research teams working on varied topics, including altitude adaptation genomics, plant physiology, herbariomics of historical plant specimens, and monitoring genetic diversity in various plant and fungal species. The teams regularly collaborate and engage in field experiments.

Starting in August 2026, Dr. Thanvi Srikant will join the group as an Ambizione Fellow (grant awarded by the Swiss National Science Foundation) to launch her independent research team, the "Epigenome Diversity Lab," within the PEG group. She will focus on studying epigenomic signatures associated with high-altitude adaptation in the alpine plant Arabis alpina and is seeking a motivated PhD student to join her team.

Project Background

High altitudes are typically characterized by reduced atmospheric pressure, lower temperatures, increased radiation, and prolonged periods of snow coverage. How do plants adapt to these challenging environmental conditions?

Epigenome features, such as DNA methylation and chromatin modifications, can significantly influence gene expression without altering the genetic code, allowing stationary plants to adapt to changing environments. By studying epigenomic landscapes across and within plant species, we can unravel how plants fine-tune gene regulation and adapt to their local habitats.

The Epigenome Diversity Lab will specifically investigate the alpine plant Arabis alpina, which thrives in diverse ecological niches and altitudes ranging from 500 to 2900 meters above sea level. This plant species is particularly abundant in the Swiss Alps. The research will focus on:

• Characterizing genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic variation in natural populations of Arabis alpina across varying altitudes.
• Examining whether epigenome features correlate with local environmental conditions.
• Determining if epigenome features remain stable across different growth environments and generations.

For more information about epigenomes, Arabis alpina, and Dr. Thanvi Srikant's academic background, please visit the Epigenome Diversity Lab website.

Job Description

We are seeking a PhD candidate for the project "Functional Epigenomics of High-Altitude Adaptation in Arabis alpina," set to commence in August 2026. The student will receive supervision from Dr. Thanvi Srikant and Prof. Alex Widmer. This position will be fully funded until the completion of the PhD thesis.

The PhD program at D-USYS (Department of Environmental Systems Science), ETH Zürich generally spans three to four years. PhD students engage in research, study, and a limited teaching schedule. For more details on the doctoral program, please click here.

We are looking for a candidate who is:

• Enthusiastic about learning new skills and techniques from their supervisor and colleagues.
• Motivated for independent literature review and hypothesis generation.
• Diligent in documenting their work, both in the laboratory and in bioinformatics.
• Open-minded and able to learn from mistakes and failed experiments while striving for scientific rigor and integrity.

The starting date for the position is ideally August 1st, 2026, but can be no later than October 1st, 2026.

Profile

We strongly encourage candidates with the following qualifications to apply:

• A background in Plant Biology or General Biology.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience with bioinformatics (analyzing genomics data) using R, bash, or python.
• Experience with molecular biology experiments.
• Strong organizational skills.

Workplace

The selected candidate will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including the Genetic Diversity Centre, which provides various equipment for high-throughput sequencing library preparation, as well as plant growth chambers and greenhouse facilities at the ETH Research Station for Plant Science. Additionally, the candidate will benefit from an interdisciplinary science environment at the Institute of Integrative Biology.

We Offer

The technical skills developed during this PhD project will include:

• Field sampling and plant propagation in the greenhouse.
• Molecular biology experiments and sequencing library preparation.
• Analyzing sequencing datasets using bioinformatics tools (a central aspect of the project).

Furthermore, the student will have opportunities to develop:

• Independence in project development.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Manuscript writing skills and insights into the publication process.
• The ability to present research at conferences.

Dr. Thanvi Srikant is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment and mentoring the PhD student for a successful academic career. The student will be encouraged to attend workshops, engage with scientific literature, and take the lead in designing their project. Regular meetings will be held within the PEG group and at scientific colloquia at the Institute of Integrative Biology.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that encourages equality of opportunity, values diversity, and fosters a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. We are committed to sustainability and are actively working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae, including the names and contact details of 1-2 referees.
• Copies of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates.
• A brief motivation letter (maximum 1 page) outlining relevant experiences for this PhD position.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Thanvi Srikant by email at thanvi.srikant@biol.ethz.ch.

Apply online using the form below.

Note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich, one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology, is renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and effective transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence, working together to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.