PhD Student / PhD Studentess

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, focuses on plant ecology, genetics, and evolution to investigate the biodiversity of plants and fungi. The group consists of several research teams working on various topics including altitude adaptation genomics, plant physiology, herbariomics of historical plant specimens, and monitoring genetic diversity in diverse plant and fungal species. These teams regularly interact and participate in collaborative projects and field experiments.

Starting August 2026, Dr. Thanvi Srikant will join the group as an Ambizione Fellow (grant awarded by the Swiss National Science Foundation) to establish her independent research team, the "Epigenome Diversity Lab." She will investigate 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 present challenges such as reduced atmospheric pressure, lower temperatures, increased radiation, and prolonged snow coverage. This raises the question: how do plants thriving in such conditions adapt to their environment?

Epigenomic features like DNA methylation and chromatin modifications can significantly influence gene expression without altering the genetic code, providing sessile plants the flexibility to cope with changing environments. Studying the epigenomic landscapes across and within plant species can reveal how plants adjust their gene regulation to adapt to local habitats.

The Epigenome Diversity Lab will focus on Arabis alpina, which grows in diverse ecological niches and altitudes ranging from 500 to 2900 meters above sea level. Research will concentrate on:

• 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

For more information about epigenomes, Arabis alpina, and Dr. Srikant's academic background, please visit the Epigenome Diversity Lab website.

Job Description

We are looking for a PhD candidate to work on the project "Functional Epigenomics of High-Altitude Adaptation in Arabis alpina," starting in August 2026. The student will be supervised by Dr. Thanvi Srikant and Prof. Alex Widmer. The 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. PhD students will conduct research, engage in studies, and fulfill limited teaching duties.

We seek a candidate who is:

• Enthusiastic about learning new skills and techniques from their supervisor and colleagues
• Motivated for independent literature review and generating testable hypotheses
• Diligent in documenting their work—both lab-based and bioinformatic
• Open-minded toward learning from mistakes and failed experiments, while striving for scientific rigor and integrity

The student can start as early as August 1, 2026 (preferred), and no later than October 1, 2026.

Profile

We strongly encourage candidates with the following qualifications to apply:

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

Workplace

The student will have access to state-of-the-art lab facilities, including the Genetic Diversity Centre, plant growth chambers, and greenhouse facilities at the ETH Research Station for Plant Science. This environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration within the Institute of Integrative Biology.

We Offer

During the PhD project, the student will develop technical skills including:

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

Furthermore, the student will cultivate essential skills in:

• Project independence
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Manuscript writing and understanding the publication process
• Research presentation at conferences

Dr. Thanvi Srikant emphasizes a collaborative work environment and is dedicated to mentoring the PhD student to ensure a successful academic career. The student will be encouraged to attend workshops and training for skill development, engage actively with scientific literature, and lead their project design. Regular meetings with the PEG group and participation in scientific colloquia at the Institute of Integrative Biology will be central to their experience.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture and values diversity. We ensure an equitable environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us, as we strive for a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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

• Curriculum Vitae, including names and contact information of 1-2 referees
• Copy of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates
• A short motivation letter (maximum 1 page) detailing experiences relevant for this PhD position

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Thanvi Srikant via email at thanvi.srikant@biol.ethz.ch.

Apply online using the form below. 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 knowledge into society, ETH Zurich attracts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Our institution promotes independent thinking and creates an inspiring environment for excellence. Together, we work to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.