Website ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)
Job description
Research focus:
- Molecular genetics in Arabidopsis to dissect key signaling components linking immune perception to metabolic regulation
- Phosphoproteomics and targeted metabolite analysis to identify metabolic switches activated during microbial exposure
- Comparative genome editing experiments in lettuce to translate mechanistic insights from Arabidopsis into an agriculturally relevant crop system
The student will investigate how microbial elicitors trigger specific metabolic adjustments in guard cells, how these changes influence ion fluxes and osmotic regulation, and how pathogens may circumvent this barrier. The project integrates cell biology, biochemistry, plant immunity, and translational crop research.
The long-term goal is to identify metabolic control points that can be leveraged to strengthen natural plant defenses and reduce pathogen entry into leafy vegetables, contributing to sustainable agriculture and improved food safety.
Profile
Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Strong interest in plant molecular mechanisms and cellular regulation
- Experience with molecular biology techniques and/or plant genetics
- Motivation to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Experience in Arabidopsis, microscopy, or omics approaches is an advantage but not required
Responsibilities:
- Conduct independent research under the supervision of senior researchers
- Design and perform experiments, analyse data, and interpret results
- Prepare and present research findings at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
- Collaborate with other team members and contribute to the overall research goals
We offer
- A dynamic and supportive research environment
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities at ETH Zurich
- Training in advanced molecular, biochemical, and imaging approaches
- Integration into a vibrant international plant science community
- The opportunity to contribute to research with tangible societal impact in sustainable agriculture and food safety
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We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Academic transcrpts
- At least 2 reference letters
Further information about the Plant Molecular Physiology lab can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Diana Santelia by email: dsantelia@ethz.ch (no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
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