Lab position: Personalized Ovarian Stimulation – Follicular endocrinology

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. At the Institute of Agricultural Science, the Animal Physiology Group addresses reproductive challenges in humans, livestock, and wildlife. We have a strong expertise in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in livestock and wildlife species and in the analytics of steroids at very low levels using both immunoassay – und mass spectrometry (MS) based techniques.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is routinely applied in fertility clinics. Although IVF success rates have improved considerably in the last decade, there is still an urgent need to further improve hormonal stimulation protocols. However, there is a huge individual response of the women to the hormonal stimulation protocol. To date, neither underlying mechanistic causes of heterogeneous responses nor predictive biomarkers are known. As part of an interdisciplinary team including human reproductive clinicians, veterinarians, bioinformaticians and biochemists, we are currently conducting a comparative study collecting both ultrasound-images and blood samples to monitor and model follicular development in both humans and female cattle.   

A substantial number of blood samples at multiple stages of human and bovine follicular development have been collected by now and are ready to be analyzed for reproductive hormones such as FSH or estradiol using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both, in-house – and commercial ELISAs will be applied. In addition, assay development and validation will be performed for target analytes for which in-house and commercial assays are not available.

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated laboratory assistant. Ideal applicants are trained laboratory technicians or have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry or in a related field. Profound experience in performing analytical assays, specifically ELISA is a prerequisite. Knowledge on ELISA assay development and validation is a plus. Applicants should have the ability to work independently in an analytical laboratory and should be well-trained in maintaining all required laboratory safety conditions. Good knowledge of spoken and written English is essential.

We offer a very well-equipped facility at ETH Zurich in a working environment of a young, emerging research group. Our laboratories are in the center of Zurich in the LFW building and at Agrovet Strickhof in Lindau, Eschikon. They are equipped with all necessary machines for analytical endocrinology research. The position offered is limited for 8 months.