Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher - Bioinformatics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Clinical Genomics team, led by Dr. André Kahles at the Biomedical Informatics Lab (BMI Lab) under the direction of Prof. Gunnar Rätsch at ETH Zurich, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a robust background in sequence bioinformatics, algorithms, and data structures. The ideal candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary effort to develop innovative diagnostic technologies based on long-read sequencing and real-time sequence analysis.

Project Background

Rapid and accurate identification of bacterial infections poses a significant challenge in clinical practice, especially in emergency settings, where delayed diagnoses can lead to suboptimal treatment and increased mortality in conditions such as sepsis. Current diagnostic methods often require 24-72 hours, contributing to the empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the rise of antimicrobial resistance. Within the RADIANT-Dx consortium, our interdisciplinary team is developing a portable diagnostic platform based on long-read sequencing, enabling rapid transcriptomic profiling of host responses and pathogens directly from blood samples. This project integrates experimental and computational expertise to facilitate real-time sequence analysis and deliver clinically actionable results within hours.

Job Description

• You will develop and implement novel computational methods for analyzing long-read sequencing data, including both pre- and post-base-calling analysis, to support the creation of a next-generation diagnostic platform.
• You will design algorithms and statistical models for real-time sequence analysis of host and pathogen transcriptomic data, focusing on robust and scalable approaches for clinical applications.
• You will collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of bioinformaticians, microbiologists, clinicians, and engineers across ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and the University Hospital Zurich.
• You will contribute to integrating bioinformatics methods into a translational research project aimed at enabling rapid and clinically actionable infectious disease diagnostics.
• You will lead computational research projects, publish findings in leading scientific journals, and contribute to advancing methods in microbial genomics, long-read sequencing analysis, and applied computational biology.

Profile

We are looking for candidates who possess a PhD degree in:

• Computational Biology / Bioinformatics
• Computer Science
• Statistics / Applied Mathematics
• Or a related quantitative field

Additionally, candidates should have a strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and statistical modeling. Experience in sequence analysis, microbial genomics, and long-read sequencing data analysis is highly desirable. Familiarity with signal processing or applied machine learning is an advantage. The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong motivation to develop innovative computational methods and contribute to interdisciplinary research with potential clinical impact, ideally supported by a solid publication record.

Workplace

Your role will be centered at ETH Zurich, a leading institution dedicated to fostering your professional development and actively contributing to creating a positive societal impact.

We Offer

• Your job will have a significant impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which strongly supports your professional growth and positively influences society.
• Enjoy numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a variety of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We advocate for equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a work and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to discover how we ensure a fair and open atmosphere that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is at our core; we continuously work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

If you're interested in this opportunity, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

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 direct transfer of new knowledge to society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located at the heart of Europe and forging connections worldwide, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.