Research Assistant in Soil Microbiology / Ecology 80% (f/m/d)

Eidgenössische Forschungsanstalt für Wald, Schnee und Landschaft WSL; Birmensdorf (ZH); On-site; CHF 54,000 - 72,000; Part time

Job summary

Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL in Switzerland is seeking a Research Assistant in Soil Microbiology / Ecology for 80% time, starting January 2027. The role focuses on soil biodiversity, microbial functions, and lab-based analyses including DNA extraction and eDNA library preparation.

You will join the Soil Community Ecology group and contribute to measuring soil physicochemical parameters while coordinating with a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in biology or environmental sciences.
• Background in microbiology and/or ecology.
• Fluent in English with strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Extract DNA from environmental samples in molecular labs.
• Prepare eDNA metabarcoding libraries for sequencing.
• Quantify microbial biomass and functional genes; measure soil parameters.

Skills

Molecular biology

Team spirit

English communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in biology/environmental sciences

Tools

DNA extraction

eDNA metabarcoding

Laboratory techniques

Job description

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.

Research Assistant in Soil Microbiology / Ecology 80% (f/m/d)

The Biodiversity and Conservation Biology research unit investigates the diversity of life in its various forms, from genetic to the diversity of species and ecosystems as well as their interactions. It's Soil Community Ecology research group is looking for 6 months, starting in January 2027, for a

You will participate in research projects focusing on soil biodiversity and functions. You will mainly work in the molecular biology and biogeochemistry labs. Your tasks will include extracting DNA from environmental samples, preparing eDNA metabarcoding libraries, and quantifying microbial biomass and functional genes, as well as measuring soil physicochemical parameters.

You have recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in biology or environmental sciences, with a background in microbiology and/or ecology. You have basic skills in molecular biology, including some practical experience in the laboratory. Experience with the analyses of biodiversity data, such as metabarcoding sequences, is a plus. You are fluent in English and have excellent communication skills and a high level of team spirit.

Dr. Aline Frossard aline.frossard(at)wsl.ch or Dr. Jose Schreckinger jose.schreckinger(at)wsl.ch, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.

Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf

Website

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