PhD Position in Tropical Geomicrobiology: Modern and Ancient Microbial Drivers of Biogeochemical Cycling (Masculine: PhD Candidate, Feminine: PhD Candidate)

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:

• The Sustainable Agroecosystems (SAE) group in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, dedicated to bringing healthy food from fields to tables worldwide for generations to come.
• 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 geologic timescales.

Combined, our work intersects traditional Earth and environmental science fields to holistically study the drivers and impacts of changing climate 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 (Lac Mai), which aims to mechanistically constrain the climatic and anthropogenic controls on greenhouse gas (i.e., carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) emissions in Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, a severely understudied region that houses the world's largest tropical wetland. We will sample greenhouse gases, peatland soils, and lake sediments, and analyze these using isotopes, biomarkers, and DNA-based methods.

This PhD student will lead the microbial component of this interdisciplinary project. Using state-of-the-art molecular techniques, you will identify the microbial drivers and metabolic capacity 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

• 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: Conduct 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.
• Communication: Attend international conferences and workshops and write scientific papers.

This position is integral to the research team, which includes two PhD students, two senior scientists, and several technicians across two research groups. You will lead these tasks while being supported by all involved researchers. This multidisciplinary team offers the opportunity 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: Proficient in molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, and qPCR, sequencing library preparation). Experience in an ancient DNA facility or a similarly controlled "clean 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 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

This position provides an exceptional opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research within a supportive and dynamic environment.

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, strong international network, and an internationally competitive salary (paid according to ETH standards).

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Martin Hartmann at martin.hartmann@usys.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

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 the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.