Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked 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.
The Altermatt lab at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies (IEU) of University of Zurich and the Department of Aquatic Ecology of Eawag has a vacancy for a
Biology lab technician (80–100%) with experience in wetlab and molecular techniques
The position will be based in the group of Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt at Eawag in Dübendorf. The Altermatt lab (www. altermattlab.ch) is addressing a wide range of questions in aquatic community ecology and biodiversity sciences, offering a highly dynamic, modern and very well-equipped environment and diverse set of projects.
Your responsibility is managing and running the wetlab and eDNA clean laboratory facility within the Altermatt lab (~15 people). You will be responsible and main executive for molecular tasks, with a particular focus on environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses, including DNA extraction, PCR, library preparation for next generation sequencing, and amplicon sequencing. You would also plan, oversee and conduct extensive barcode sequencing or possibly develop whole-genome sequencing of amphipods. You are responsible for organizing and overseeing lab-routines. You will also be involved with field work and micro- and mesocosm experiments. There is the opportunity to learn field and identification techniques in the context of amphipods and aquatic invertebrates, with a focus on river and groundwater ecosystems. You are training new lab members, including undergraduate students, on lab equipment and protocols, safety and general lab procedures and responsible for ordering consumables and equipment, maintaining laboratory and field equipment. You are overseeing data storage and data entry. Finally, you can assist in ongoing research projects, with the potential to be collaboratively and closely involved in the research projects (incl. publications). We are particularly encouraging people to apply that have interest in growing in above activities, yet may not necessary have experience in all of them yet.
To qualify for this position , you have an education as a biology laboratory technician (Laborant/in Fachrichtung Biologie EFZ) or comparable qualifications. You have experience with metabarcoding techniques and DNA- library preparation and are ideally familiar with working in a clean lab facility. Prior knowledge of the Illumina platform is an asset. You have a high degree of independence, interest in interacting with other technicians, and the ability and interest to develop and organize a dynamic research lab. You are proficient with the use of general laboratory techniques and equipment. You have experience in data recording and documenting processes, and can optimize tasks while maintaining a high level of consistency.
You will be working in a multidisciplinary and international research group. You can communicate and write in English and German. You can interact professionally with students, academic researchers, companies, and stakeholders. You communicate with all team members and support them in their research. You are skilled in time management, you are detail-oriented and well-organized, and a fast learner. Your computer skills include MS Office and experience in using software associated to various laboratory devices and analyses. A valid driver's license is required. The position offers exciting activities in a national and international research environment.
The Altermatt lab has a shared base at University of Zurich and at Eawag. It offers a dynamic and international research environment, excellent research facilities and a lively 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.
For further information, consult www. altermattlab.ch or directly contact Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt. Phone: +41 58 765 55 92, E-mail: [email protected]
Applications must be submitted by 29th February 2024 and should include a motivation letter with a description of pertinent experience, a complete CV, the names and e-mail addresses of three references, and copies of your qualifications. The application should be submitted as one single pdf-file. The expected starting date for the position is between March to June 2024.
University of Zurich and Eawag are both committed to promoting diversity and equal opportunities for underrepresented minorities, and to support the compatibility of family and work. Applications from women are especially welcome. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www. eawag.ch and www. eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment. We look forward to receiving your application through this webpage, any other way of applying will not be considered. Please click on the button below, this will take you directly to the application form.
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology