PhD in Environmental Microbiology — Alkaliphilic Methanogens

Immigration Policy Lab; Zürich; On-site; CHF 47,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zürich’s Environmental Microbiology group invites applications for a fully funded 4-year Doctoral Position in Environmental Microbiology, based in Zurich. The project investigates alkaliphilic methanogens, their energy conservation at high pH, and biosignature distinctions, using anaerobic cultivation, physiology and biochemistry.

The position integrates microbiology with geochemistry and origin-of-life research within the NCCR Genesis framework, offering training, international

Qualifications

• MSc (or equivalent) in microbiology, environmental sciences or a related field.
• Experience in anaerobic cultivation and/or protein biochemistry is an advantage.
• Curiosity about fundamental questions and enthusiasm for experimental work and excellent communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Alkaline environments such as soda lakes and serpentinising vents are candidate sites for the emergence of life on Earth and potential habitats on ocean worlds like Enceladus
• Methanogenic archaea are the main biological source of the greenhouse gas methane
• Some methanogenic archaea can thrive under alkaliphilic conditions where conventional energy conservation reaches its limits
• This Doctoral project seeks to investigate what limits the growth of alkaliphilic methanogens, how they conserve energy and acquire carbon at high pH, and which signatures distinguish their methane from abiotic methane
• The work combines anaerobic cultivation, physiology and biochemistry

Skills

anaerobic cultivation experience

English communication skills

Education

MSc (or equivalent) in microbiology, environmental sciences or a related field

Job description

ETH Zürich’s Environmental Microbiology group invites applications for a fully funded 4-year Doctoral Position in Environmental Microbiology, based in Zurich. The project investigates alkaliphilic methanogens, their energy conservation at high pH, and biosignature distinctions, using anaerobic cultivation, physiology and biochemistry.

The position integrates microbiology with geochemistry and origin-of-life research within the NCCR Genesis framework, offering training, international