Join a Leading Research Team at EPFL – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
A fully funded PhD position in Microbial Ecology is now available at EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), one of Europe’s most prestigious research institutions and consistently ranked among the top 20 universities worldwide. Located in the heart of Switzerland, EPFL offers an inspiring and diverse academic environment with over 18,500 students, researchers, and staff from 120+ countries.
PhD Opportunity: Microbial Ecology in Anaerobic Digestion
Department: Institute of Environmental Engineering, EPFL
Lab: Microbial Physiology and Resource Biorecovery Laboratory (MICROBE)
Supervisor: Dr. Wenyu Gu
Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
About the Research Project
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student passionate about microbial ecology and sustainable biotechnologies. The research project focuses on the anaerobic digestion (AD) process—a key technology for waste-to-energy conversion and the production of valuable bioproducts.
The PhD student will investigate the structure, function, and dynamics of microbial communities involved in anaerobic digestion. The project combines cutting-edge techniques in microbiology, bioinformatics, sequencing, cultivation, and mathematical modeling to better understand and improve the efficiency of AD systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct high-impact research on microbial ecology in anaerobic digestion systems
- Apply advanced methods in microbial cultivation, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis
- Design and evaluate synthetic microbial communities for enhanced bioproduct output
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including fellow PhD students and postdocs
- Contribute to scientific publications and present research at international conferences
Candidate Profile
- A Master’s degree in Microbiology, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Proven research experience and a strong interest in anaerobic microbiology
- Skills in bioinformatics and microbial cultivation are highly desirable
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multicultural, international team
What EPFL Offers
- A world-class research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities
- Personalized mentoring and professional development support
- A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive academic setting
- Competitive PhD salary and benefits under Swiss research standards
How to Apply
Application Requirements:
- Motivation letter outlining your interest in the position
- Detailed CV with academic and research background
- Contact details of three referees willing to provide recommendation letters
⚠️ Note: Shortlisted applicants must apply to an official EPFL Doctoral Program to be formally admitted into the PhD program.
Apply Now
Take the next step in your academic career and apply for a PhD in Microbial Ecology at EPFL—where innovation meets impact.
👉 Deadline: Rolling basis until the position is filled
👉 Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
👉 Program Duration: ~4 years