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. The group consists of several research teams working on diverse topics, including altitude adaptation genomics, plant physiology, herbariomics of historical plant specimens, and genetic diversity monitoring in various plant and fungal species. Collaboration among these teams is frequent, fostering a dynamic environment for field experiments and innovative projects.
Starting August 2026, Dr. Thanvi Srikant will join the group as an Ambizione Fellow (a grant awarded by the Swiss National Science Foundation) to establish her independent research team, the "Epigenome Diversity Lab," within the PEG group. Dr. Srikant will investigate epigenomic signatures associated with high-altitude adaptation in the alpine plant Arabis alpina and is seeking a motivated PhD student to join her team.
High altitudes are typically characterized by reduced atmospheric pressure, lower temperatures, increased radiation, and extended periods of snow coverage. How do plants adapt to survive under these challenging environmental conditions?
Epigenomic features, such as DNA methylation and chromatin modifications, significantly influence gene expression without altering the genetic code, allowing these plants to adapt flexibly to their surroundings. By studying the epigenomic landscapes across and within plant species, we can learn how plants fine-tune gene regulation and adapt to local habitats.
The Epigenome Diversity Lab will focus on Arabis alpina, which thrives in various ecological niches and altitudes (ranging from 500 to 2900 meters above sea level) across the Swiss Alps. Research initiatives will include:
For more information about epigenomes, Arabis alpina, and Dr. Thanvi Srikant's academic background, please visit the Epigenome Diversity Lab website.
We are seeking a PhD candidate to work on the project "Functional Epigenomics of High-Altitude Adaptation in Arabis alpina," commencing in August 2026. The selected student will be supervised by Dr. Thanvi Srikant and Prof. Alex Widmer. This position is fully funded through the completion of the student’s PhD thesis.
The PhD program at D-USYS (Department of Environmental Systems Science), ETH Zürich, generally lasts between three to four years. Candidates are expected to engage in research, coursework, and limited teaching duties.
The ideal candidate should possess:
Please note that the student can start earliest on August 1st, 2026 (preferred), and latest by October 1st, 2026.
We highly encourage candidates with the following qualifications to apply:
The student will develop a range of technical skills throughout the PhD project, including:
Moreover, the student will cultivate:
Dr. Thanvi Srikant advocates for a collaborative work environment and is committed to mentoring the PhD student toward a successful academic career. The student will have opportunities to attend workshops for skill development, engage with scientific literature actively, and take the lead in project design. Regular meetings will be held within the PEG group and scientific colloquia at the Institute of Integrative Biology.
Students will benefit from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including the Genetic Diversity Centre, which provides high-throughput sequencing library preparation equipment, as well as plant growth chambers and greenhouse facilities at the ETH Research Station for Plant Science. Students will also engage with an interdisciplinary science environment at the Institute of Integrative Biology.
In line with our principles, ETH Zurich champions an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We nurture a supportive environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. For further information about our commitment to a fair and open atmosphere, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we consistently strive toward a climate-neutral future.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online using the form below. The application deadline is January 31st, 2026. Please submit:
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Thanvi Srikant at thanvi.srikant@biol.ethz.ch.
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thought and inspires excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe and forming connections globally, we are committed to developing solutions to address today's and tomorrow's challenges.
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland