PhD Position in Metabolic Discovery and Mechanistic Physiology using Exhalomics in Dairy Cows

PhD Position in Metabolic Discovery and Mechanistic Physiology using Exhalomics in Dairy Cows

The Animal Nutrition group at ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD position focused on the interface of ruminant nutrition, animal health, and physiological phenotyping using emerging non‑invasive exhalomics (exhaled breath metabolomics) approach
. The research program integrates animal experiments with advanced analytical techniques and bioinformatics to enhance the understanding and monitoring of physiological metabolism in dairy cows. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic research team led by Mutian Niu, benefiting from a state‑of‑the‑art dairy research facility, a metabolic center, and high‑resolution analytical platforms.

The PhD student will work on three major research components centered around exhalomics and its application to animal physiology and health:

• Nutrient Metabolism in Dairy Cows: The first component includes conducting controlled nutritional experiments to evaluate how dietary factors influence rumen function and metabolic responses.
• Immune Challenges and Early Detection of Health Perturbations: The second component involves several immune‑related animal experiments using LPS challenge to examine how inflammatory states alter metabolic signatures in dairy cows.
• Large‑Scale Exhalomics in Dairy Cows: The third component involves an observational study comparing exhaled‑breath profiles of healthy and hospitalized animals.

Across all three components, the project will involve high‑resolution mass‑spectrometry and complementary data streams to explore how exhaled metabolites reflect physiological status.

• Conduct in vivo/ in vitro experiments in collaboration with existing experienced team.
• Perform physiological and metabolic sampling (rumen, breath, blood, fecal, urine, milk).
• Operate, integrate, extract, and interpret data from high‑resolution mass spectrometry platforms.
• Organize, manage, and analyze large datasets including bioinformatics.
• Communicate scientific results in written and oral form, including conference presentations.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Participate actively in group meetings and collaborative research discussions.
• Supporting role to other team members in carrying out their animal experiments/projects.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Physiology, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics or related fields.
• Ability to perform structured, well‑documented experimental work.
• Strong motivation to work with animals.
• Curiosity for science.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Desired (but not required) Skill

• Experience with nutritional, immunological (LPS) or metabolic models in animals.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques in biochemistry, metabolomics, or bioinformatics.
• Exposure to mass spectrometry or analytical chemistry tools.
• Statistical/data‑science/bioinformatic tools.

• A stimulating research environment in a world‑leading institution, with access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and datasets.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including conferences, collaborations with different research organizations (e.g., PSI, Iowa State University, University of Zurich, etc.) and industry partners.
• Competitive salary in accordance with ETH Zurich standards, flexible working hours, and support for work‑life balance.
• Membership in a diverse, international team committed to innovative, impactful science.
• We at ETH Zurich are committed to building a diverse faculty and staff. We value and promote diversity and seek candidates who are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.

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.

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