Postdoctoral position on production technology of gut microbial biotherapeutics

Postdoctoral position on production technology of gut microbial biotherapeutics

The Laboratory of Food Biotechnology at the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health of the Department of Health Science and Technology is looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to work in the field of live microbial biotherapeutic production technology.

The candidate will actively participate in a project supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to address the major challenges in live microbial biotherapeutics production by optimizing a technology that enables to produce high-diversity bacterial consortia. It builds on the years of experience of the group and on recent proof-of-concept data. The project is led by the ETH Zurich and is in close collaboration with partners in private sector.

The Laboratory of Food Biotechnology is part of the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health at the Department of Health Science and Technology. We are specialized in gut microbiota research and functional microbes for food and health applications. A particular area of development is the design and application of novel fermentation and downstream process technologies of strict anaerobic bacteria, including the development of high cell density continuous cultivation strategies of single strains, consortia and complex artificial gut microbiota in bioreactors.

You will join a highly motivated, multidisciplinary team that aims to translate the knowledge of gut microbiota cultivation into a technology for LBP production. Your responsibilities will comprise of:

• Plan and perform experiments involving gut bacterial consortia production in bioreactors to optimize production process parameters for technology translation
• Supervise students and technical assistants
• Analyse results and report to project partners

The 100% position is for one year, with possibility to extend for an additional year starting as soon as possible and offers an excellent opportunity to work in context of important and fast-pacing gut microbiota translational research.

• You have a PhD in Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or closely related Life Sciences
• You have a background in microbiology, microbial ecology or host-associated microbiology
• You have experience with cultivation of anaerobic bacteria, complex microbial communities and fermentation technology
• You have experience in molecular and microbial analytical methods
• You have excellent project management and communication skills to work in a collaborative multidisciplinary research project

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application by 15th of February 2022 with the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter
• Names and contact information of three references

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 Laboratory of Food Biotechnology can be found on our website www.fbt.ethz.ch . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Annelies Geirnaert: [email protected] (no applications).

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.