EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 17,000 people, including over 12,500 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Physiology at EPFL

Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Physiology at EPFL

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the Institute of Environmental Engineering at EPFL (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne). The selected candidate will engage in cutting-edge research in applied environmental microbiology. The research will focus broadly on microbial physiology and genetics in CO2 reduction and N2 fixation processes (such as methanogen, Azotobacter), but we offer flexibility in the choice of specific research topics. The candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team and participate in mentoring and collaborating with PhD students.

 

The position will be held in the Microbial Physiology and Resource Biorecovery laboratory (MICROBE) led by Dr. Wenyu GU at EPFL. This Postdoc position is funded by a large collaborative grant awarded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. As such, collaboration and research stays are anticipated to take place between groups housed at the UNIGE (Ross MILTON), ETHZ (Victor MOUGEL and Markus REIHER), the CEA Grenoble (Tristan WAGNER) and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (George CUTSAIL).

 

EPFL is a public research university specializing in engineering and natural sciences and is part of the ETH Domain.

Profile

A PhD degree in microbiology, environmental engineering, chemical engineering or a related field with evidence of research success in the form of peer-reviewed publications are required. Prior experience in microbial cultivation, molecular techniques is an asset.

We offer

Freedom to drive a research project in the general area of the host groups; mentoring and support for professional and personal development; access to scientists with diverse backgrounds in the host groups and in the network of collaborators; a world-class research and training environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities; a multi-cultural and stimulating work environment; and a highly competitive salary.

Application

Interested candidates should submit their dossier containing a motivation letter describing your experience and interest in the position, a CV and contacts for three professional references. Screening will start on 2 December 2024 and all qualified applicants will receive consideration. Any further information can be collected at wenyu.gu@epfl.ch. 

Starting date

We are looking to fill this position from March 2025, but we understand the importance of finding the right fit. Therefore, we offer flexibility in the start date for the selected candidate.

Duration

1-year contract renewable for up to 3 years