Postdoctoral Research Fellow on complex gut microbiota in Zürich

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

A postdoctoral position is available as of now in the Food Biotechnology lab at the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health at ETH Zurich for an outstanding candidate to pursue research on the effects of nutritional factors on complex gut microbiota.

Research in the lab focuses on gut microbiota research by its development of continuous cultivation strategies of single and complex gut bacteria in bioreactors, and is well recognised for its intestinal fermentation model PolyFermS. Our research focuses on understanding how external factors (i.e. diet, micronutrients, drugs, etc.) affect the gut microbial community and metabolism. Our aim is to develop strategies to engineer the gut microbiota towards health (i.e., prebiotics and probiotics). For more information, visit the lab website including links to recent publications: .

The successful candidate is expected to perform experments with the in vitro gut microbiota PolyFermS model to investigate the effects of nutritional factors on the gut microbiota metabolism and structure. 

It is a fixed term position with a start as soon as possible at the laboratory of Food Biotechnology.    

Facilities available in the Food Biotechnology lab:  

• We are fully equipped to conduct gut microbiota research, anaerobic cultivation of single and individual bacteria, fermenter technologies and a wide range of analytical, molecular and microbiological methods 
• The ETH Zurich core facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to support advanced studies  

Suitable candidates will:  

• Have a PhD in Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or closely related Life Sciences 
• Have good understanding of the human gut microbiome  
• Have prior direct experience in standard molecular biology techniques, cell culture techniques, microbiology, cultivation of anaerobes and fermentation technology 
• Be expected to have interest in independent research and strong personal motivation, as well as the ability to think quantitatively and to communicate clearly
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills in English 

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.