Researcher in mathematical modeling and simulation of ecological processes in the gut microbiota

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are looking for a researcher to join the Mucosal Immunology Group in the course of an SNSF Spark project. You will develop a project that deals with the possibilty of evolving cooperative behavior given experimentally determined spatial structure in the gut microbiota. The project is theoretical, relying on mathematical modeling and simulation. The position is funded for 1 year.

The Mucosal Immunology Group is located on the Hönggerberg Campus of ETH Zürich in Switzerland. Research in the group broadly covers questions of host-gut microbiota interactions, ranging from immune activation by bacterial surface glycans, to targeted microbiota enineering and gut microbiota ecology.

Project background

Cooperative behavior increases the average fitness of populations, but is evolutionarliy unstable. Nevertheless, cooperative traits are abundant in nature. In the gut microbiota, it has often been hypothesized that cooperation should be rare, but we have recently discovered spatial structure in the intestinal lumen that could allow for the stabilitzation of cooperative behavior. Using experimentally determined parameters, the project will test under which conditions the evolution of cooperative behavior is possible in the gut microbiota, and compare these findings to experimental data available in the group.

Job description

You will directly be working with Dr. Markus Arnoldini, a senior scientist in the Mucosal Immunology group. The main task will be to set up a mathematical modeling framework for bacerial growth and evolution in the gut, and running numerical simulation of group formation and disassembly in the gut lumen using this framework. The model will likely have agent based, stochastic and deterministic components. This project is funded by a one-year SPARK grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation, and the goal is to get it towards a publishable manuscript within this time.

Your profile

• MSc in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology or equivalent
• Experience with formulating ecological models and running numerical simulations in Python
• Experience in responsibly documenting and archiving research tools and data
• Evidence of ability to work independently and in teams on complex problems
• Ability to integrate into an interdisciplinary and diverse research team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

• Dynamic, international work environment at a world-leading university
• Employment conditions and remuneration according to the standards of ETH Zürich
• A workplace in a cosmopolitan city with high standards of living

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Curious? So are we.

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

• CV, including contact details for two referees
• Letter of Motivation
• Certificates for all relevant qualifications

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Mucosal Immunology Group can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Markus Arnoldini, email [email protected] (no applications).

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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.