Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally net-worked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
PhD position "Uncovering fundamental biodiversity in riverine systems using environmental DNA" (4 years position)
Rivers are among the most biodiverse ecosystems worldwide, with invaluable significance for mankind. Recent advances in molecular methods, particularly environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, has revolutionised how biodiversity is assessed in freshwater ecosystems across all taxonomic groups, including bacteria, invertebrates and fish. Yet, for a congruent understanding of riverine biodiversity and associated ecosystem functions, a better understanding of trophic relationships and food web interactions is needed. This includes disentangling the terrestrial-aquatic linkage and attributing biodiversity state and change at a high spatio-temporal resolution. In this PhD project you will apply eDNA metabarcoding to assess and uncover the biodiversity fingerprint of a river basin at a high spatial and temporal coverage.
The position is to be filled with a motivated candidate, capable of taking a leading role in the research field of eDNA metabarcoding, specifically focusing on diversity assessments in riverine ecosystems using high throughput sequencing (HTS) and contextualizing it in a modern aquatic ecology perspective.
This project builds on existing long-term field sites in Switzerland (Thur catchment) and links to national biomonitoring programs. The goal of this PhD project is to advance eDNA-based metabarcoding in natural ecosystems, to get a coherent understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem function. You will conduct your own field and laboratory work to assess food webs and ecosystem state in riverine networks across the blue-green interface. The eDNA studies can be complemented with other technologies (e.g., remote sensing and modelling) and fits into the wider research interest of the Altermatt lab research areas. The PhD project allows a high level of innovation, independence and co-creation, and therefore there is also room for your own ideas in the context of aquatic biodiversity and eDNA metabarcoding.
To apply, you must have a Master's degree in Molecular Ecology, Ecology, Microbiology or a closely related science field. Applicants ideally have previous laboratory and bioinformatics experience in eDNA or HTS approaches, and knowledge on analysing biodiversity data. Experience in programming is an asset. A strong conceptual background in community and molecular ecology and a good understanding of ecological theory, data analysis and writing skills are expected. The working language in the group and the institutes is English. Fluency in speaking and writing is required.
The successful applicant will be based and hired in the group of Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt (
www.altermattlab.ch and
https://www.ieu.uzh.ch/en/staff/member/altermatt_florian.html), with a shared base at University of Zurich and Eawag (Zurich, Switzerland). The candidate will be part of the PhD program in Ecology of the Life Science Zurich Graduate School (
https://www.ieu.uzh.ch/en/teaching/phd/graduate.html), and employed at University of Zurich. The project will involve extensive collaborations within the Altermatt lab, in particular with Dr. Rosetta C Blackman. The position is fully-funded for four years, and is expected to start in the coming few months (ideal start dates are June to September 2024).
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent person with a passion for science to join our team. We offer a stimulating and international research environment, excellent research facilities and social working place. Zurich hosts many other research groups in ecology and biodiversity research, and is among the world's leading cities in terms of science, culture and quality of life. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. Women and members of ethnic and cultural groups underrepresented in ecology and biodiversity sciences are especially encouraged to apply.
Applications must be submitted by 05 May 2024. Your application should include a letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a complete CV, university diplomas, and the names and contact information for three references (all in one pdf file). For further questions, consult
www.altermattlab.ch or contact Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt:
florian.altermatt@eawag.ch.
We look forward to receive your application through this webpage. Any other way of applying will not be considered. Please click on the button, this will take you directly to the application form.