Postdoctoral researcher: microbiome bioinformatics and metagenomics

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Laboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology (FSB) develops computational methods and utilizes "omics" technologies to study microbial ecosystems in food production and human health, with the ultimate goal of creating microbial communities and products that optimize food quality, safety, and human health.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in shotgun metagenomics, microbial bioinformatics, or microbial biotechnology to join our team.

Job description

You will join a collaborative team of scientists who develop and use molecular, deep sequencing, and bioinformatics methods to study microbiomes at the interface between foods and human health. Fermented foods and beverages are a nutritionally and culturally significant component of human diets globally, as well as a primary source of microorganisms and microbial metabolites that shape both food quality and human health. They also serve as an experimentally tractable model for testing microbial ecology and evolution hypotheses. You will develop and utilize multi-omics approaches to study microbiome functional interactions in fermented foods, food systems, and the human diet.

Your profile

• You are a self-motivated scientist with outstanding academic qualifications, superb interpersonal and written communication skills, and enthusiasm to engage with a friendly and collaborative team of interdisciplinary scientists.
• You are skilled in biological data analysis and comfortable working with a mixture of molecular biology, microbiology, and microbial bioinformatics techniques. You should have experience analyzing metagenomics or metabolomics data.
• You should be familiar with the use of nucleotide sequence data repositories and community metadata standards used in microbiological research.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation, high-performance-computing environments, or Python 3 programming would be beneficial, but not required.

Key Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in microbiology, molecular biology, food microbiology, biology, ecology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or other relevant fields.
• Strong record of scientific communication and publications
• Excellent interpersonal communication, teamwork and organizational skills
• English language proficiency (written and spoken)

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity, and attractive offers and benefits. These include a collaborative and supportive team of scientists; an engaging and friendly workplace culture; access to world-class facilities and technology platforms; further training opportunities and mentoring for career development; delicious baked goods.

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We value diversity

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.

Curious? So are we.

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

• A letter of intent (1-2 pages) that describes your interest and suitability for the position, your specific goals/vision/proposed research aims, and succinctly conveys your scientific mission.
• An updated curriculum vitae including a list of publications, education, and relevant experience
• Names and contact information of 2-3 professional references

Please note that we will only consider completed applications that are submitted through our online application portal. Applications sent via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about the group please visit our website . Questions regarding the position can be directed to Prof. Dr Nicholas Bokulich by email (see website for contact information) (no applications). 

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and 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.