PhD Research Focus: OPISCOW Project

The PhD candidate will work on the OPISCOW Project – Origin, Prevalence, and Impact of Complex Structural Variation in cattle. This exciting research aims to:

• Estimate the de novo mutation rate of structural variants (SVs) in bovine genomes
• Utilize PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing on 50 parent-offspring trios
• Map data to a bovine telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly
• Build haplotype-resolved genome assemblies
• Contribute to the global bovine pangenome initiative

Key Responsibilities

As a PhD student in this genomics project, your role will include:

• Analyzing high-throughput long-read sequencing datasets
• Identifying and characterizing structural variants and mutation rates
• Performing genome assembly and sequence alignment
• Engaging in collaborative international research projects
• Presenting your findings in top journals and scientific conferences

Candidate Requirements

To qualify for this PhD program, applicants must have:

• A Master’s degree (MSc) in genomics, genetics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines
• Programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages
• Experience working with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters
• Strong interest in computational and statistical genomics
• Proficiency in English communication and scientific writing

Why Choose ETH Zurich?

ETH Zurich stands out as a global leader in research and education, offering:

• A world-class environment for genomics and data science
• Excellent research infrastructure and laboratory facilities
• A competitive PhD salary and comprehensive benefits
• A collaborative and inclusive research community
• Exceptional support for career development and publishing opportunities

Important Dates & Application Process

• Start Date: September 1, 2025 (flexible; earlier start possible)
• Application Review Begins: May 20, 2025
• PhD Duration: 4 years (fully funded)

How to Apply:

Submit the following documents through the official ETH Zurich application portal:

1. Motivation letter
2. Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
3. Academic transcripts and degree certificates
4. Contact details of two academic referees

Contact Information

For inquiries about the position (not for applications), reach out to:
Prof. Hubert Pausch
Email: hubert.pausch@usys.ethz.ch

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

ETH Zurich is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The university promotes diversity and cultivates an inclusive research culture where every individual can thrive and contribute to innovative science.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced academic professional, this comprehensive list of job openings at UZH could be your gateway to joining a top-tier global research institution.

Overview of Open Positions at University of Zurich (UZH)

Here is a categorized list of current academic job opportunities:

PhD Positions (Doctoral Fellowships)

1. PhD in Typological Linguistics – Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution
2. PhD in Hydrology – Department of Geography
3. PhD in Epidemiology – SwissNeoNet Research Group, Neonatology
4. PhD in AI for Cancer Genomics – Dept. of Quantitative Biomedicine
5. PhD in Organic Chemistry – Dept. of Chemistry
6. PhD in Chemical Biology – Institute of Chemistry
7. PhD in Forensic Computational Chemistry/Toxicology – Institute of Forensic Medicine
8. PhD in AI & Precision Oncology – Quantitative Biomedicine
9. PhD in Social Anthropology & Reproduction – URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded
10. PhD in Law and Human Reproduction – Chair of Legal Tech

And many more positions across economics, sociology, health sciences, geography, psychology, and computational sciences.

Postdoctoral Fellowships

1. Postdoc in Transition to Retirement Psychology – Psychology Institute
2. Postdoctoral Researcher in Linguistic Geography – Language Evolution
3. Postdoc in Computational Linguistics – English Department
4. Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Communication – IKMZ
5. Postdoc in Neurodegenerative Disease Research – Quantitative Biomedicine
6. ERC-funded Postdoc in Computational Psychiatry – Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich
7. Postdoc in AI for Healthcare – Department of Informatics
8. Postdoc in Dynamical Systems & Ergodic Theory – Mathematics Institute

Faculty & Teaching Positions

1. Professorship in Neuroregeneration – IREM
2. Assistant Professor in Digital One Health (Tenure Track) – One Health Institute
3. Professorship in Responsible AI (Open Rank) – Business, Economics & Informatics
4. Senior Lecturer – Digital Public Governance – Political Science
5. Research and Teaching Associate – Business Administration

Technical & Admin Positions

1. IT Network Operations Specialist – Central IT
2. HR Business Partner – Human Resources
3. Laboratory Technician – Regenerative Medicine
4. SAP DevOps Engineer – Central Informatics
5. Student Assistants and Tutors – Multiple Departments
6. Administrative Assistant – Tumor Profiler Center
7. Financial Compliance Expert – Finance Directorate

Veterinary & Animal Science Jobs

1. Veterinary Surgeon (ACVS/ECVS Certified) – Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
2. Assistenztierärzt:in (Large Animal Medicine) – Vetsuisse Faculty
3. Veterinary Research Scientists – Preclinical Development
4. Student Internship – Animal Clinic (Horses) – Zurich Animal Hospital
5. Animal Nutrition & Dietetics PhD – Institute of Veterinary Medicine

Why Choose the University of Zurich?

• World-renowned institution with global research impact
• Located in Zurich – a leading international city for innovation, finance, and quality of life
• Broad range of interdisciplinary research fields
• Access to cutting-edge labs, research centers, and international collaborations
• Competitive salary packages and career development support

How to Apply?

Visit the official University of Zurich career portal to view all current openings and apply online:
University of Zurich Job Listings

Ensure your CV, cover letter, and research proposal (if required) are up-to-date before submission. Most PhD and postdoc positions have application deadlines, so act quickly!