Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

The Department of Environmental Microbiology (Umik) has a vacancy for a

Are you interested in working with omics data and learning bioinformatics for environmental engineering applications? If yes, we have the project at Eawag for you.

Granulated sludge technologies use less energy and have a reduced footprint than conventional wastewater treatment. The granules which are necessary for this technology are dense microbial aggregates which have hydrogel-like properties due to extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). However, the genetic regulation of EPS production during granulation remains poorly understood.

In this MSc thesis or internship project, you will have the opportunity to analyze metagenomic- and metatranscriptomic data to investigate the genetic mechanisms of EPS production. Specifically, you will work with DNA and RNA sequencing data obtained from two granulation treatment lanes with different operational durations of hydrocyclones in Switzerland. Depending on interest, you may also carry out additional molecular biology experiments to test the functions of genes in EPS pathways associated with granulation.

We are looking for a master student or intern (being enrolled in a university for the entire duration is a must) with interests in any of the following: genomics / molecular biology, programming / data analysis and/or or advanced technologies for biological wastewater treatment. We are flexible in terms of start dates in 2025 or 2026.

Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience, and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.

Applications can be submitted until the position is filled and will therefore be evaluated on a rolling basis. Applications should include a CV and the list of lectures/grades.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.