PhD Candidate in Tropical Geomicrobiology / PhD Candidate in Tropical Geomicrobiology

PhD Position in Tropical Geomicrobiology: Modern and Ancient Microbial Drivers of Biogeochemical Cycling

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student for a multidisciplinary project across two groups: (i) The Sustainable Agroecosystems (SAE) group in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, dedicated to promoting healthy food from fields to tables for generations to come; (ii) The Surface Earth Evolution (SEE) group in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich, committed to investigating the processes that drive global climate change over human to geological timescales. Our combined work intersects various fields within Earth and environmental sciences to holistically study the drivers and impacts of climate change and land use. We effectively integrate field-based sample collection and monitoring with lab-based biogeochemical measurements.

Project Background

This position is part of the SNSF-funded project, Constraining tropical wetland greenhouse gas production today and through time: insights from Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, Democratic Republic of Congo (LacMai). The objective is to mechanistically constrain the climatic and anthropogenic controls on greenhouse-gas emissions (i.e., carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) in Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, a severely understudied region housing the world's largest tropical wetland. This will involve sampling greenhouse gases, peatland soils, and lake sediments, analyzed using isotopes, biomarkers, and DNA-based methods.

The PhD student will lead the microbial component of this interdisciplinary project. Utilizing state-of-the-art molecular techniques, you will identify the microbial drivers and metabolic capacities in tropical lake sediments and reconstruct how they have evolved in response to climatic shifts over the past 12,000 years (i.e., the Holocene).

Job Description

• Perform fieldwork: Participate in sampling expeditions to the Democratic Republic of Congo to collect high-resolution, pristine sediment records from Lake Mai Ndombe and surrounding peatlands, ensuring appropriate preservation for molecular and biological analyses.
• Contemporary microbial profiling: Carry out DNA extraction, qPCR, and ribosomal metabarcoding on surface sediments. Quantify key functional marker genes (e.g., mcrA, pmoA, nosZ) and identify extant microbial drivers of modern carbon and nitrogen cycles.
• Ancient DNA analysis: Execute specialized DNA extraction from deep sediment cores under rigorous contamination controls. Utilize shotgun metagenomics to reconstruct the structural and functional adaptation of microbial communities to paleo-environmental shifts.
• Integrative bioinformatics: Process complex sequencing datasets using advanced computational pipelines. Perform taxonomic profiling and metabolic reconstruction to link microbial drivers with shifting environmental parameters from sediment records.
• Communicate findings: Attend international conferences and workshops, and write scientific papers.

This position is integral to the research team, which includes 2 PhD students, 2 senior scientists, and several technicians across two research groups. You will lead these tasks with support from all involved researchers. This multidisciplinary team offers opportunities to learn, develop, and apply scientific skills beyond traditional geomicrobiology!

Profile

• Education: MSc degree in (geo)microbiology, molecular ecology, or a related field.
• Wet-lab experience: Solid experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, sequencing library preparation). Prior experience working in an ancient DNA facility or a similarly controlled "clean lab" is a strong asset.
• Computational skills: Experience in analyzing amplicon and metagenomic data is highly desirable.
• Remote fieldwork: Willingness to conduct fieldwork in a remote tropical environment.
• Communication: Proficiency in written and spoken English and ability to communicate in a cross-cultural environment.
• Knowledge of French: A plus (for fieldwork).
• Personal attributes: Ability to work independently with flexibility, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn new skills!

Workplace

Join an inclusive and dynamic research environment at ETH Zurich.

We Offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position embedded in the SAE group.
• The opportunity to work in a unique, understudied region of high scientific and climatic value.
• Excellent, inclusive working conditions, a strong international network, and an internationally competitive salary (paid according to ETH standards).

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. For more details, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are committed to working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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

We look forward to receiving your application!

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 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university an environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.