PhD Position in Geomicrobiology: Modern and Microbial Drivers of Biogeochemica

Organisation/Company ETH Zürich Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Biological sciences » Other Environmental science » Ecology Environmental science » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 10 May 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

PhD Position in Tropical Geomicrobiology:
Modern and Ancient Microbial Drivers of Biogeochemical Cycling

This position is part of the SNSF-funded project “Constraining tropical wetland greenhouse gas production today and through time: insights from Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, Democratic Republic of Congo (Lac Mai)”, which aims to mechanistically constrain the climatic and anthropogenic controls on greenhouse-gas (i.e., carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) emissions in Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, a severely understudied region that houses the world’s largest tropical wetland. To do so, we will sample greenhouse gases, peatland soils, and lake sediments, and we will analyze these using isotopes, biomarkers, and DNA-based methods.

This PhD student will lead the microbial component of this interdisciplinary project. Using state‑of‑the‑art molecular techniques, you will identify the microbial drivers and metabolic capacity in tropical lake sediments and reconstruct how they have evolved in response to climatic shifts over the past 12,000 years (i.e., the Holocene).

• Perform fieldwork:
  Participate in sampling expeditions to DR Congo to collect high‑resolution, pristine sediment records from Lake Mai Ndombe and surrounding peatlands, ensuring appropriate preservation for molecular and biological analyses
• Contemporary microbial profiling:
  Perform DNA extraction, qPCR, and ribosomal metabarcoding on surface sediments. Quantify key functional marker genes (e.g. mcrA, pmoA, nosZ) and identify extant microbial drivers of modern carbon and nitrogen cycles
• Ancient DNA analysis:
  Execute specialized DNA extraction from deep sediment cores under rigorous contamination controls. Utilize shotgun metagenomics to reconstruct the structural and functional adaptation of microbial communities to paleo‑environmental shifts
• Integrative bioinformatics:
  Process complex sequencing datasets using advanced computational pipelines. Perform taxonomic profiling and metabolic reconstruction to link microbial drivers with shifting environmental parameters from sediment records
• Communicate findings:
  Attend international conferences and workshops and write scientific papers

This position is integral to the research team, which includes 2 PhD students, 2 senior scientists, and several technicians across two research groups. You will therefore lead these tasks but will be supported by all involved researchers. This multidisciplinary team offers the opportunity to learn, develop, and apply scientific skills beyond traditional geomicrobiology!

• Education:
  
  MSc degree in (geo) microbiology, molecular ecology, or a related field
• Wet‑lab experience:
  Solid experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, sequencing library preparation). Prior experience working in an ancient DNA facility or a similarly controlled “clean lab” is a strong asset
• Computational skills:
  Experience with analyzing amplicon and metagenomic data is highly desirable
• Remote fieldwork:
  Willingness to conduct fieldwork in a remote tropical environment
• Communication:
  Proficiency in written and spoken English and ability to communicate in a cross‑cultural environment
• Knowledge of French is a plus (for fieldwork)
• Personal attributes:
  Ability to work independently with flexibility, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn new skills!

• A fully funded 4‑year PhD position embedded in the SAE group
• The opportunity to work in a unique, understudied region of high scientific and climatic value
• Excellent, inclusive working conditions, a strong international network, and an internationally competitive salary (paid…