PhD Position in Metabolic Discovery and Mechanistic Physiology using Exhalomics in Dairy Cows (Male / Female)

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 candidates to apply online using the form below for a PhD position focused on the intersection of ruminant nutrition, animal health, and physiological phenotyping using the emerging non-invasive exhalomics (exhaled breath metabolomics) approach. The 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 work within 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 engage in three major research components centered around exhalomics and its application to animal physiology and health:

• Nutrient Metabolism in Dairy Cows: This component involves conducting controlled nutritional experiments to evaluate how dietary factors influence rumen function and metabolic responses.
• Immune Challenges and Early Detection of Health Perturbations: This component includes various immune-related animal experiments using LPS challenge to examine how inflammatory states alter metabolic signatures in dairy cows.
• Large-Scale Exhalomics in Dairy Cows: This observational study compares exhaled-breath profiles of healthy and hospitalized animals.

Across all three components, the project will utilize 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 carrying out their animal experiments/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 (but not required) Skills

• 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.
• Knowledge of statistical/data-science/bioinformatics tools.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a stimulating research environment in a world-leading institution, complete with access to state-of-the-art facilities and datasets. Opportunities for professional growth include participation in conferences and collaborations with various research organizations (e.g., PSI, Iowa State University, University of Zurich) and industry partners.

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 where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value, and we are actively 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 the Master thesis (if available).
• Contact details for 2-3 professional references.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Please submit your application via our online application system. For questions about the position, please contact Mutian Niu via email at mutian.niu@usys.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich is home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Located in the heart of Europe, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.