Environmental Microbiologist (100%)

We are seeking an Environmental Microbiologist with expertise in micropollutants biotransformation to join our team by 1st July 2025. You will play a key role in identifying and assembling specialized microbial consortia for tackling complex pollutants. The position is based in our lab at the ETH Zurich Hönggerberg campus.

Job description:

We are looking for an environmental microbiologist with strong expertise in xenobiotics metabolism, molecular characterization of transformation pathways, sequencing and analytics, to enhance our ability to design and characterize robust microbial communities for environmental bioremediation.

As a Microbiologist, you will play a pivotal role in the development and optimization of microbial communities targeting persistent pollutants. 

Main Responsibilities:

• Molecular & metabolic characterization: Using 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, and transcriptomics to analyze biodegradation mechanisms and microbial interactions.

• Microbial isolation & screening: Cultivating and isolating bacterial strains from complex environmental samples.

• High-throughput functional screening: Identifying microbial communities with pollutant-degrading potential.

• Directed Evolution experiments: Applying laboratory evolution techniques to enhance microbial performance.

• Consortium assembly & adaptation: Designing and optimizing microbial consortia for targeted biodegradation.

• Bioreactor experiments: Testing and optimizing consortia in controlled lab-scale bioreactors.

• Data analysis & bioinformatics: Applying statistical tools (e.g., R, Python) for experimental data interpretation.

• Collaboration: Working with multidisciplinary teams to advance microbial bioremediation technologies.

Your Profile:

Required qualifications:

• MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Evolutionary Biology, Biotechnology, or Environmental Sciences.

• Strong experience in experiments characterizing biotransformation pathways in the field of micropollutants.

• Strong experience in microbial strain isolation, enrichment techniques, and molecular techniques.

• Proficiency in cultivation strategies for aerobic & anaerobic microbes.

• Hands-on experience with microbial community assembly and bioreactor operation.

• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, (g)PCR, primer design, 16S rRNA sequencing, omics technologies).

• English proficiency (C1 level).

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in adaptive laboratory evolution approaches.

• Background in synthetic ecology and microbial interaction studies.

• Strong bioinformatics and data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python, or similar).

• Familiarity with LC-MS/MS and flow cytometry for microbial analysis.

A note: research indicates that women and individuals from marginalized groups tend to apply only when they meet all of the criteria. If you believe you’re qualified, but don’t necessarily check every box, please submit an application.

We offer:

• Cutting-edge research environment at the intersection of microbiology & environmental biotechnology.

• Opportunities for training and career development in microbial evolution & bioremediation.

• Collaborative startup culture with access to ETH Zurich’s research infrastructure.

• Exposure to industry applications through partnerships with environmental technology stakeholders.

Application Process

We look forward to receiving your online application through the form below, including all of the following documents:

• Cover Letter

• CV

• Academic transcripts

• Contact information for professional references