PhD Candidate / PhD Candidate (Feminine)

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, conducts research in plant ecology, genetics, and evolution to explore biodiversity in plants and fungi. The group comprises several research teams that tackle diverse topics, including altitude adaptation genomics, plant physiology, herbariomics of historical plant specimens, and genetic diversity monitoring across various plant and fungal species. These teams regularly interact and collaborate on projects and field experiments.

Starting in August 2026, Dr. Thanvi Srikant will join the group as an Ambizione Fellow, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. She will lead an independent research team, the "Epigenome Diversity Lab," focusing on 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 extended periods of snow coverage. How do plants adapt to these challenging environmental conditions?

Features of the epigenome, such as DNA methylation and chromatin modifications, can significantly influence gene expression without resulting in genetic changes. This flexibility enables sessile plants to adapt to changing environments. Analyzing epigenomic landscapes across and within plant species can reveal how plants fine-tune gene regulation to thrive in their local habitats.

The Epigenome Diversity Lab will focus on the alpine plant Arabis alpina, which thrives in various ecological niches and altitudes, ranging from 500 to 2900 meters above sea level. This species is commonly found in the Swiss Alps. The lab's research will emphasize:

• Characterizing genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic variation in natural populations of Arabis alpina from different altitudes
• Investigating the association between epigenomic features and local environments
• Examining the stability of epigenomic features across various growth environments and generations

To learn more about epigenomes, Arabis alpina, and Thanvi's academic background, please visit the Epigenome Diversity Lab website.

Job Description

We are searching for a PhD candidate to work on the project "Functional Epigenomics of High-Altitude Adaptation in Arabis alpina," commencing in August 2026. The student will be supervised by Dr. Thanvi Srikant and Prof. Alex Widmer. This position is fully funded until the completion of the student's PhD thesis.

The PhD program at D-USYS (Department of Environmental Systems Science), ETH Zürich, typically lasts three to four years. Candidates are expected to engage in research, study, and a limited amount of teaching duties.

We seek a candidate who is:

• Enthusiastic about learning new skills and techniques from their supervisor and peers
• Motivated to independently read literature and develop testable hypotheses
• Diligent in documenting their work, both in the lab and in bioinformatics
• Open-minded about learning from mistakes and aims for high scientific rigor and integrity

The ideal starting date is August 1, 2026 (preferable), with a latest possible start of October 1, 2026.

Profile

We highly encourage candidates with the following skills to apply:

• Background in Plant Biology or General Biology
• Fluency in English
• Experience with bioinformatics (analyzing genomic data) using R or bash/python
• Experience in molecular biology experiments
• Strong organizational skills

Workplace

The student will have access to state-of-the-art lab 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. The candidate will also have the opportunity to engage with an interdisciplinary scientific environment at the Institute of Integrative Biology.

We Offer

The technical skills that the student will develop include:

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

Additionally, the student will be guided in developing:

• Independence in project development
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Manuscript writing skills and understanding of the publication process
• Presentation skills for research at conferences

Dr. Thanvi Srikant is dedicated to fostering a collaborative work environment and mentoring the PhD student for a successful academic career. The student will be encouraged to participate in workshops and training opportunities for skill development, actively engage with broad scientific literature, and take the lead in designing their project. Both Dr. Srikant and the student will attend regular meetings of the PEG group, as well as scientific colloquia at the Institute of Integrative Biology.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website for more information on our efforts to create a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us, as we continuously work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We look forward to receiving your online application, which should include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae, including names and contact information for 1-2 referees
• Copy of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates
• A short motivation letter (maximum 1 page) detailing any 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. Please note that 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. Renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries choose our university as a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forging connections globally, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for today and tomorrow's global challenges.