PhD in Anaerobic Digestion Microbial Ecology at EPFL

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD student to join our team at the Institute of Environmental Engineering at EPFL (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne). The selected candidate will engage in cutting-edge research in applied environmental microbiology. The research will focus on Microbial Ecology in the Anaerobic Digestion process. The candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team and participate in collaborating with other PhD and Postdoc members.

The position will be held in the Microbial Physiology and Resource Biorecovery laboratory (MICROBE) led by Dr. Wenyu GU at EPFL. This PhD position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The primary focus of the research is to leverage the anaerobic digestion process as a central focus to study fundamental principles of microbial ecology. The project involves techniques of sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, isolation, cultivation, and characterization of anaerobic microorganisms, as well as mathematical modeling and synthetic community design. This work seeks to enhance the efficiency of anaerobic digestion, and advance technological innovations for the production of valuable bioproducts.

EPFL is a public research university specializing in engineering and natural sciences and is part of the ETH Domain.

Your Profile

A Master’s degree in microbiology, environmental engineering, chemical engineering or a related field with evidence of research success are required. Prior experience in microbial cultivation and bioinformatics is an asset. Excellent communication skills, fluency in English, and good academic writing skills. The capacity to work effectively in an international team.

We offer

• Mentoring and support for professional and personal development
• Opportunity to work with members with diverse backgrounds in the host groups and in the network of collaborators
• A world-class research and training environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities
• A multi-cultural and stimulating work environment

Application

Interested candidates should submit their dossier (one single pdf) containing a motivation letter describing your experience and interest in the position, a CV and contacts for three professional references to wenyu.gu@epfl.ch. The application must quote the job reference #1446 in the email subject line in order to be considered. Screening will start right away; all qualified applicants will receive consideration.

Starting date

We offer flexibility in the start date for the selected candidate.

Duration

1-year contract renewable for up to 4 years