Open positions
Open positions at the NCCR Microbiomes
If no suitable positions are listed here but our research resonates with you, we encourage you to visit the individual lab pages of our PIs as they may have independently funded openings.
Bioinformatician in Microbiome Research (80-100%) Zurich, fixed-term
The Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich invites applications for a Bioinformatician embedded in the Microbiome Research Lab. We seek a highly motivated, skilled, and organised individual to support multiple experimental and computational research groups. The successful candidate will contribute to both a collaborative research network and institute-wide activities, including data management and the maintenance of computational infrastructure and software.
Project background
The position is part of the Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich and closely linked to projects within the NCCR Microbiomes. The NCCR Microbiomes is a nationwide, interdisciplinary research programme, bringing together experimental and computational researchers with the aim of understanding and engineering the structure, function, and dynamics of microbiomes across diverse biological and environmental systems.
Several research groups at the Institute of Microbiology contribute to the NCCR Microbiomes. The Bioinformatician will play a central role in supporting collaborative research projects across the network through advanced data analysis, interpretation, and visualisation using reproducible computational workflows. In addition, the position supports institute-wide bioinformatics activities, including the management of data and shared computational infrastructure, enabling efficient and sustainable microbiome research.
For more information and to apply:https://jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_XGGjjFrOgJVsImXY8d
PhD position in microbial synthetic biology, Lausanne
The Schaerli lab offers a PhD position in microbial synthetic biology at the Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Schaerli lab carries out interdisciplinary research at the interface between synthetic biology and microbiology. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD position to work on a collaborative project within the frame of the National Centre of Competence Research (NCCR) Microbiomes.
Job information
Expected start date in position: 01.09.2026 or upon agreement
Contract length: 1 year, maximum 4 years
Activity rate: 100%
Workplace: University of Lausanne
Your responsibilities
The selected candidate will join the Schaerli group to drive collaborative research within the national NCCR Microbiomes consortium. Building on our recent work (Chhun et al., BioRxiv, 2025), you will design, construct, test, and apply bacterial biosensors and develop novel genetic tools. Your focus will be on detecting metabolites and environmental signals across diverse systems, including the honey bee and mouse gut.
Your qualifications
We are seeking candidates with a Master’s degree in life sciences or biology and expertise in synthetic biology, microbiology, or molecular biology. The project is part of the NCCR Microbiomes; therefore, a strong interest in the broader field of microbiomes, extending beyond microbial synthetic biology, is essential. Experience with molecular cloning, flow cytometry, and microscopy is advantageous. The projects will involve animal experiments with bees and/or mice, conducted in collaboration with partner laboratories; therefore, the candidate should be willing to perform or assist with such experiments.
A strong command of written and spoken English, a high level of motivation for scientific research, curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team are essential.
What the post offers you
We offer a supportive and stimulating environment, with access to excellent experimental facilities. The environment is highly international and interdisciplinary, and all activities are conducted in English. In addition to training within the host laboratory, the position offers extensive opportunities for collaboration and continuous professional development, particularly through the NCCR Microbiomes network. The position offers a competitive salary. Our department is situated on a beautiful campus at the shore of Lake Geneva with a great view of the Alps.
Contact for further information
Prof. Yolanda Schaerli: yolanda.schaerli at unil.ch
Your application
Application deadline: 24.05.2026
Please apply through the UNIL Job website and include your full application (motivation letter, CV with months and years and contact details of three referees) as pdf. Only applications through the UNIL Job website will be taken into account.