About the Research

The Environmental Microbiology Group studies microorganisms that use ancient metabolic pathways to transform greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. By combining metagenomics, classical microbiology, and biochemistry, the team explores how microbes shape biogeochemical cycles and contribute to sustainable technologies.

This specific PhD project will focus on re-wetted peatlands, aiming to:

• Characterize shifts in microbial communities
• Uncover molecular mechanisms driving these ecological transformations

Research Activities Include:

• Fieldwork in peatland ecosystems
• Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses
• Microcosm experiments
• Isolation and cultivation of anaerobic microorganisms

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications:

• M.Sc. degree in Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field
• Strong background in microbiology and molecular biology techniques
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Preferred Experience:

• Previous fieldwork in ecological or microbiological studies
• Familiarity with anaerobic microorganisms

What ETH Zurich Offers

Successful candidates will benefit from:

• A fully funded PhD position with access to advanced laboratory and computational resources
• A collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research environment
• Opportunities for conference travel, workshops, and career development
• A family-friendly environment with world-class academic and cultural support
• Access to ETH Zurich’s renowned facilities and benefits

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, with over 30,000 students and staff from 120+ countries, known for excellence in research, education, and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the PhD position fully funded?
Yes, this is a full-time, fully funded doctoral position at ETH Zurich.

2. What is the main research focus?
The project examines microbial community changes in re-wetted peatlands, with a focus on anaerobic microorganisms and their role in greenhouse gas transformations.

3. Can international students apply?
Yes, ETH Zurich encourages global applications.

4. Do I need prior experience with anaerobic microorganisms?
It is preferred but not mandatory. Training will be provided.

5. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 3, 2025.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the ETH Zurich online application portal. Submissions by email or post will not be considered.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications (if any)
• Diploma and Transcript of Records
• Contact details of two references

Deadline: October 3, 2025
Start Date: Spring 2026 or as agreed

Apply Online via ETH Zurich Portal

If you’re passionate about marine microbiology, climate science, and molecular biology, this program offers world-class research, field expeditions, and bioinformatics training at the highest level.

Why This PhD Matters

The IPCC highlights ocean deoxygenation as one of the top three threats to marine ecosystems—alongside ocean acidification and warming. This research aims to:

• Understand how climate change impacts microbial biodiversity.
• Study carbon sequestration and sulfur cycling in the oceans.
• Provide insights to mitigate the effects of global ocean change.

By joining this project, you will contribute to cutting-edge marine science with real-world environmental impact.

PhD Position Details

• Location: LMU Munich, Germany
• Start Date: November 1, 2025
• Type: PhD (Part-time, 65% employment)
• Duration: Up to 3 years (TV-L E13 scale)
• Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

You’ll work in state-of-the-art laboratories and participate in oceanographic research missions across Europe, combining fieldwork, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, qPCR, sequencing, and functional gene analysis.
• Study microbial diversity and DOM processing in marine ecosystems.
• Conduct fieldwork aboard research vessels in European waters.
• Present findings at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in one of the following:
  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Microbial Oceanography
  • Or a related discipline
• Strong English communication skills (written & spoken).
• Interest in microbial ecology, molecular techniques, and climate science.
• Willingness to engage in extended marine fieldwork.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary European research network.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and qPCR.
• Familiarity with high-throughput sequencing (16S rRNA, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics).
• Knowledge of bioinformatics pipelines and software such as R, Python, or Matlab.

Benefits of Joining LMU Munich

• Work at one of Europe’s top-ranked research universities.
• Access to advanced marine science labs and field equipment.
• Guidance from Dr. Gonzalo V. Gomez-Saez and support from the German Research Foundation (DFG).
• Opportunities for international collaboration.
• Inclusive hiring policy with encouragement for applications from diverse backgrounds.

How to Apply

Send one PDF document containing the following to g.gomez@lmu.de:

1. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Copies of B.Sc. and M.Sc. certificates
4. PDF copy of M.Sc. thesis
5. Contact details of two referees (name & email)

Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

Tip for Applicants: Highlight your molecular biology experience, marine research interest, and readiness for field expeditions to stand out in the selection process.

Research Focus: Microbial Communities, Surfactants, and Ecosystem Health

Hosted by the Department of Environmental Microbiology within the Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA), this ERC-backed research project investigates the ecological impacts of glyphosate-based surfactants on microbial communities essential to carbon and nitrogen cycling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct large-scale microcosm experiments under oxic and anoxic conditions
• Analyze microbial communities using advanced statistical and bioinformatics tools
• Lead a field validation study in real-world environments
• Apply molecular techniques such as 16S rRNA sequencing, qPCR, multi-omics, gas analysis, and surfactant quantification

Who Should Apply? Ideal Postdoc Candidate Profile

This fully funded postdoctoral research position in environmental microbiology is ideal for researchers with a solid scientific background and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related discipline
• Expertise in molecular biology, microbial ecology, and field research
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Preferred Skills:

• Prior publications in peer-reviewed international journals
• Experience with environmental DNA/RNA analysis workflows
• Leadership, mentoring, and organizational abilities

Position Overview

• Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Microbiology
• Location: University of Stuttgart, Campus Stuttgart-Büsnau, Germany
• Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
• Salary: TV-L E13 pay scale (German public research sector)
• Start Date: October 1, 2025 (or earlier)
• Duration: 18 months
• Teaching: Not required
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2025

Why Choose the University of Stuttgart and ISWA?

The University of Stuttgart is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, environmental research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. At ISWA, you’ll benefit from:

• A dynamic, international research environment
• State-of-the-art laboratories and experimental infrastructure
• A family-friendly and inclusive workplace with flexible work models
• Support for newcomers via the Welcome Center and Dual Career Program

Stuttgart is also a leading hub for science, technology, and innovation — offering an ideal environment for early-career researchers.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

To apply for this postdoc position in environmental microbiology, submit the following documents via the JoinUs Portal of the University of Stuttgart before July 31, 2025:

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation Letter
• Research and Teaching Summary
• List of Publications
• Methods Overview (from previous projects)
• Contact details of academic referees

Apply Now: JoinUs Portal – University of Stuttgart

Join a Research Project That Matters

By joining this project, you’ll contribute to cutting-edge research that has real-world implications for environmental protection, microbiome resilience, and climate-relevant nutrient cycling. If you’re a motivated scientist seeking to make a lasting impact, don’t miss this chance to elevate your academic career in one of Europe’s most vibrant research ecosystems.