Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Metabolomics

The position is part of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) aiming to assess the dynamics of microbial metabolism in soil and water upon human-induced environmental change. In an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of environmental system sciences and biochemistry, we approach questions of ecosystem functioning through a holistic evaluation of microbial phosphorus metabolism using stable isotope-based evidence as proxy for the study of phosphoryl transfer reactions in aerobic microorganisms.

The work associated with this postdoctoral position will focus on the investigation of responses of cellular phosphorus metabolism in aerobic heterotrophic bacteria to environmental stress. Specifically, the postdoctoral fellow will carry out 18O tracer experiments and mass spectrometry-based metabolic flux analysis to target reactions and pathways of the phosphorus metabolism that ultimately lead to an exchange of oxygen atoms in cytosolic phosphate. Evidence obtained through metabolic flux analysis will provide the basis for interpretation of variations of 18O/16O ratios in cytosolic phosphate that we are currently exploring as a novel measure to track for metabolic adaptations of environmental microbiomes

We seek applications from individuals with a strong background in metabolomics and/or systems biology as well as mass spectrometry who are keen to explore novel avenues for assessing important and timely questions in environmental system science. Potential candidates also have expertise in biochemistry and hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline of chemical, biological, or environmental sciences. Independent thinking, creativity, as well as the ability to work in teams will be critical requirements for joining this project.

We expect excellent writing and communication skills in English. The successful applicant is expected to start this position between February and April 2024. The position will be limited to two years with the option of a one-year extension.

The successful applicant will join the Environmental Chemistry Department at Eawag and be part of a collaborative project carried out with the Group of Plant Nutrition at ETH Zürich and the Functional Genomics Center Zürich. This position comes with the opportunity to work with researchers from ETH Zürich and the University of Bern in an interdisciplinary working environment and in state-of-the-art laboratories.