PhD Position in Tropical Geomicrobiology (Male) / PhD Position in Tropical Geomicrobiology (Female)

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 involving two groups: (i) the Sustainable Agroecosystems (SAE) group in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, dedicated to bringing healthy food from fields to tables globally; and (ii) the Surface Earth Evolution (SEE) group in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich, which investigates processes driving global climate change across human and geological timescales. Our collective research intersects traditional Earth and environmental sciences to holistically study the drivers and impacts of climate change and land use alterations, integrating field-based sample collection 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 goal is to mechanistically understand the climatic and anthropogenic influences on greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) in Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, a largely unexplored region housing the world’s largest tropical wetland. This involves 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 microbial drivers and their metabolic capacities in tropical lake sediments, reconstructing their evolution in response to climatic shifts over the past 12,000 years (i.e., the Holocene).

Job Description

• Perform fieldwork: Participate in sampling expeditions in DR Congo to collect high-resolution sediment records from Lake Mai Ndombe and surrounding peatlands, ensuring proper preservation for molecular and biological analyses.
• Contemporary microbial profiling: Execute DNA extraction, qPCR, and ribosomal metabarcoding on surface sediments, quantifying key functional marker genes (e.g., mcrA, pmoA, nosZ) to identify extant microbial drivers of modern carbon and nitrogen cycles.
• Ancient DNA analysis: Conduct specialized DNA extraction from deep sediment cores under stringent contamination controls and employ shotgun metagenomics to reconstruct microbial communities' structural and functional adaptations to paleo-environmental changes.
• Integrative bioinformatics: Process complex sequencing datasets using advanced computational pipelines, performing taxonomic profiling and metabolic reconstruction to correlate microbial drivers with changing environmental parameters from sediment records.
• Communicate findings: Attend international conferences and workshops, and contribute to scientific publications.

This position is an integral part of the research team, which includes two PhD students, two senior scientists, and several technicians across both research groups. You will lead these tasks while being supported by all involved researchers. This multidisciplinary team provides 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 in an ancient DNA facility or a similarly controlled lab is a strong asset.
• Computational skills: Experience with 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, with the ability to communicate effectively 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

We offer a dynamic and inclusive work 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 significant scientific and climatic value.
• Excellent and inclusive working conditions, a strong international network, and a competitive salary (in accordance with ETH standards).

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture, advocating for equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. For more information, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are dedicated to actively working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are We.

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

• Curriculum Vitae including educational history, publications, awards, etc.
• BSc and MSc transcripts (in English or German).
• Motivation letter (~2 pages) detailing your interests and relevant experience.
• Contact details for two references.

Please note, only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Martin Hartmann at martin.hartmann@usys.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology. We are recognized for our exceptional education, cutting-edge research, and direct knowledge transfer to society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, we foster independent thinking and create an environment that inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.