Doctoral position in plant metabolism and stable isotope biology; H-Shifts

Doctoral position in plant metabolism and stable isotope biology (H-Shifts) 100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The position is part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project H
- Shifts:

"The ²H fingerprint of plant metabolites to trace carbon metabolic shifts". The project combines isotope biogeochemistry, plant physiology and crop science to develop a novel tool for tracking metabolic fluxes in plants.

You will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team working at the interface of plant metabolism, stable isotope analysis and crop improvement. The position sits within the Grassland Science group in the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, in close collaboration with the Physiological Plant Ecology group at the University of Basel where much of the work will be conducted.

Understanding how plant metabolism drives growth and yield remains a major challenge. While current approaches capture metabolite concentrations, they do not resolve metabolic fluxes – the dynamic processes underlying plant performance.

This project develops a novel approach based on natural-abundance hydrogen stable isotopes in plant carbohydrates (²H). These isotopic "fingerprints" encode information about key metabolic processes such as photosynthesis, carbon partitioning and energy metabolism.

The doctoral project will contribute to three main objectives:

• Develop methods to separate metabolic isotope signals from environmental (hydrological) variation
• Quantify and attribute isotope signals to specific metabolic processes
• Apply the approach to investigate metabolic shifts associated with soybean domestication and crop breeding

The doctoral project will involve both controlled-environment experiments and field studies.

• Design and conduct plant growth experiments under controlled isotopic conditions
• Sampling and preparation of plant tissues (sugars, starch, cellulose)
• Stable isotope measurements (e.g., IRMS and NMR-based methods)
• Data analysis and modelling of isotope signals to infer metabolic processes
• Contribution to field experiments on soybean diversity and crop traits
• Statistical analysis (e.g., in R or Python) and interpretation of complex datasets
• Presentation of results at international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals

• A Master’s degree in plant biology, biochemistry, environmental sciences, biogeochemistry, agronomy, ecology or a related field.
• Experience or awareness of isotope applications
• Experience with laboratory protocols
• Interest in plant metabolism and physiology
• Quantitative and statistical skills (e.g., R, Python)
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Good written and spoken English
• Experience and skills working with analytical chemistry are an advantage but not required

• An interesting interdisciplinary and cross-institutional position with collaborative partners from Switzerland and France
• A fully funded four-year doctoral position with competitive salary (ETH Zurich standards)
• Training in cutting-edge isotope techniques and plant physiology
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and growth facilities
• Opportunities for scientific training, networking and career development
• We value diversity and promote an inclusive and respectful working environment.

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