Postdoctoral researcher in Evolutionary Ecology of Microbial Predation

We invite applications for a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher (100%) in microbial evolutionary ecology to join Greg Velicer’s lab group at ETH Zurich. The successful candidate will take over an ongoing, large-scale evolution experiment that investigates the effects of different predators – multiple species each of myxobacteria, Bdellovibrio-and-like organisms, dictyostelids, and nematodes (and some multi-predator combinations) – on the diversity of a bacterial prey community and the dynamics of predator-prey co-evolution and adaptation. The experiment – currently led by a postdoc who is leaving to start a new group with an ERC Starting Grant – represents one line of research in our lab's broader focus on microbial predation, sociality, and aggregative multicellularity. In addition to taking over an innovative ongoing project, the successful candidate will have opportunity to develop a new project within the group’s broader interests. See Evolutionary Biology website and external page myxoee.org for additional information about our work and Google Scholar for external page relevant publications.

Key responsibilities

• Take over the lead and complete an ongoing, large-scale evolution experiment investigating predator-prey co-adaptation and the impact of diverse types of predators on prey community diversity and stability.
• Publish research results in high-quality journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of new research directions, leveraging the lab’s expertise and your own background in microbial ecology and evolution.
• Collaborate with fellow lab members and contribute to the intellectual environment of the lab by mentoring students and discussion.
• Apply for external research funding to develop and support future projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field, including microbial ecology, community ecology, or evolutionary biology.
• A strong background in experimental evolution, microbial interactions, community metagenomics, molecular genetics, and/or predator-prey dynamics would be advantageous.
  
• Experience with microbial culturing techniques, experimental design, and quantitative data analysis.
  
• A strong record of creative research, including a proven ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present research at scientific meetings.
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a scientifically and culturally diverse team.
  
• Strong motivation to pursue independent research and apply for external funding.

We offer

• Participation in a highly collaborative research group pursuing diverse projects within our broader area of study. 
• The opportunity to work on a project with the potential to significantly advance our understanding of microbial community ecology and co-evolutionary dynamics.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for microbial evolution research.
• Opportunities for professional development, including mentoring, grant writing, and leadership roles within the project.
• A vibrant community of ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and microbiologists in Zurich that offers many opportunities for interaction and collaboration.
• A cutting-edge research environment at ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading research institutions.

Funding and compensation

• Funding for two years is available. A longer position duration will be possible if funding from a competitive fellowship is secured. 
• ETH Zurich offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement benefits as well as professional development support.