Laboratory Technician (up to 8 months)

Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
Laboratory Technician (up to 8 months)
50 %
We are seeking a laboratory technician to work on a project on ecological forecasting. We are implementing a long-term laboratory experiment with aquatic micro-ecosystems containing communities of bacteria, protists, and rotifers. Microcosms are sampled frequently to investigate the predictability of population dynamics, biodiversity, and ecosystem processes. The overall goal of the project is to advance the limits of ecological forecasting in changing environments.
Your responsibilities
In collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher, the successful candidate will implement and sample the proposed microcosm experiment. Specific responsibilities include:

• Maintenance and sampling of a microcosm experiment
• Processing of samples with microscopy, FlowCam, and flow cytometry
• Maintenance of algae and ciliate stock cultures

Your profile

• Experience with working in a wet-lab, with maintenance of cultures (i.e. handling of cultures under sterile conditions, preparation of media), with flow cytometry or microscopy is an asset.
• Reliability and sense of responsibility.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy.
• Ideally, the candidate has time on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (which are the sampling days).

What we offer
We offer varied and interesting work in an inspiring and socially relevant environment.
Diversity and inclusion are important to us.
The successful candidate will work in the group of Prof. Dr. Owen Petchey at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Zurich.
The successful applicant will implement the experiment together with postdoctoral researcher Dr. Romana Limberger . We offer a position in a highly motivated team of international researchers, a friendly work environment, and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure.
This position is limited in time and lasts up to 8 months.
Place of work
Winterthurerstrasse, Zürich, Switzerland
Start of employment
Employment start date to be mutually agreed. We will review applications as soon as they come in and review applications until the position has been filled. Your application (in English) should include a cover letter stating your motivation for this position, a CV, and copies of degrees. Please also include contact information of two people who would be willing to provide a reference letter. Interviews will be conducted at least partly in English.
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