Postdoctoral Researcher in Differential Geometry

 The Department of Mathematics at the University of Luxembourg is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher in Transformation Groups in Differential Geometry, to work under the supervision of Prof. Karin Melnick.

Your Role...

The main topics of the project through which the position is funded include:

• Differential-geometric structures, including pseudo-Riemannian, conformal, and projective structures
• Groups acting on manifolds, rigidity
• Smooth Dynamics

Familiarity with some of these is expected. You can moreover develop your own research program.
The position includes limited contribution to the teaching missions of the department.

The position offers...

• Outstanding research conditions in an international and inspiring environment
• Possibility to become a member of a young team of dedicated researchers including postdocs and PhD students
• Access to funding for travel and invitations

In Short...

• Contract type: 24 months fixed-term contract (with the possibility of an extension to 36 months)
• Foreseen starting date: September 2023
• Work Hours: Full time 40 hours / week
• Location: Belval
• Job Reference: UOL05558

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 77167 (full time)

How to apply...

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae with publication list
• Motivation letter
• Research statement indicating some familiarity with the topics mentioned above
• Names and email addresses of at least 2 references who can provide a reference letter if contacted

Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2023. Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed on a rolling basis. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

In return you will get…

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

• Find out more about the University
• Addresses, maps & routes to the various sites of the University

Further information...

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide. The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine. Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens, in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Website of the Mathematics Department of the University of Luxembourg: https://math.uni.lu

For further information, please contact Karin Melnick (kmelnick@umd.edu)

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PhD for proxy development – lipid biomarkers

 The Earth Ecosystem Dynamics Group (Geological Institute, Department of Earth Sciences) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student with an interest in past environmental changes, soil chemistry and organic geochemistry, to work on developing lipid-based proxies for soil fertility (defined here as the concentration of exchangeable cations). Your research will be part of the funded SNSF starting grant research project ROOTS (PI: Dr Cindy De Jonge): “Reconstructing soil fertility across Time and Space”.

Project background

Currently, soils store a large fraction of the CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. However, whether they will continue to do so in the future is unclear, as soil fertility potentially limits the amount of primary production (carbon fixation) and belowground carbon storage. Current experimental approaches reveal a complex interaction between the above- and belowground ecosystem, and its chemical environment. A historical perspective, i.e. looking at past changes in soil fertility and carbon storage, can elucidate these processes on timescales that exceed experimental approaches (decades to millennia). While changes in atmospheric CO2 and climate are well constrained using a combination of direct measurements and estimates based on proxies, we currently have no methods to reconstruct soil fertility through time. In this project, you will develop biomarker lipid proxies that allow quantifying soil mineral fertility, building on current research that highlights the dependency of GDGT lipids on major soil exchangeable cations: free hydrogen, exchangeable calcium and exchangeable iron.

Job description

During this PhD project, you will learn to apply state-of-the-art analytical techniques and research concepts that cross scientific boundaries. You will also present at national and international conferences, and write peer-reviewed publications and a PhD thesis. The research training addresses field, numerical, statistical and laboratory skills, equipping the student for a career across a range of professions.

Your profile

• You should have a relevant MSc degree (i.e., earth sciences, environmental sciences).
• You should be able to outline experience in organic geochemistry or other lab-based analytical methods and be interested in applying statistical approaches to develop calibrations and generate environmental reconstructions through time.
• You should have a keen interest in working in an international and interdisciplinary scientific environment.
• Ideally, you should also demonstrate previous fieldwork experience, as brief field campaigns within Europe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are planned to recover soil cores and soil surface samples (~1-2 weeks each).
• Good oral and written communication skills in English are expected to be obtained during the position.

We are looking forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by May 15th 2023: 

• a curriculum vitae (max: 2 pages) that includes contact details (not letters) of 2 references, and
• a motivation letter for this specific position, indicating specifically how you fill the requirements for this position that are outlined under "Your Profile" (max: 2 pages).

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted before May 31st 2023, followed by online interviews, and a potential visit to ETH Zurich in June/July.

For further information about the Earth Science Department please visit our website: www.erdw.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Cindy De Jonge by email at cindy.dejonge@erdw.ethz.ch (no applications).

Apply online now

Postdoctoral Research Scientist in quantum optics and networking with superconducting circuits

 The Quantum Device Laboratory at ETH Zurich studies quantum information science with superconducting circuits. A team led by Andreas Wallraff and Jean-Claude Besse focuses on studying the interaction of transmon qubits with microwave photons.

Project background

The lab's work on fundamental phenomena in quantum optics investigates the interaction of light with matter at the quantum level, while its research on quantum networks focuses on the development of technologies that enable the efficient transmission of quantum information over long distances including applications of non-locality. Recently, we have realized milestone experiments on single photon detection, the realization of a universal quantum gate set for microwave photonic qubits, and the deterministic entanglement of remote qubits.

Job description

You will perform collaborative research towards the realization of distributed, or measurement-based quantum computing, realize device-independent protocols such as quantum key distribution or randomness amplification, perform error correction on quantum channels, or work on the generation and study of highly entangled states of microwave photons. You will both benefit from the expertise developed at the Quantum Device Laboratory and expand the state of the art in this field of research.

Your profile

• You have a strong and documented interest in experimental realizations of quantum information processing systems and a dedication to pursuing a successful career in research, development, or education, either in academia or industry.
• Ideally, you have experience and a proven record in multiple of the following topics:
• Quantum information processing and its implementations (ideally with superconducting circuits, alternatively also with quantum dots, ion traps, NMR, photonics, …)
• Experimental quantum optics or atomic physics (cavity quantum electrodynamics)
• Fabrication and characterization of micro- and nano-electronic devices (lithography and deposition techniques)
• Mesoscopic solid state physics, low-temperature physics, transport measurements at dilution refrigerator temperatures
• Microwave electronics, digital electronics, FPGAs, measurement instrumentation
• Programming experience, e.g. in Python (or similar)

We are looking forward to receive your online application including:

• a cover letter
• your detailed curriculum vitae
• a complete list of your publications
• a research statement, containing a short description of your background, motivation, and skills
• copies of bachelor, master, and PhD theses (as available, with grades available)
• three contacts available to provide letters of reference
• at least one reference letter to be sent directly by email to wallraff.office@phys.ethz.ch

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about the Quantum Device Lab please visit our website: www.qudev.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be addressed to Jean-Claude Besse, jbesse@phys.ethz.ch (no applications). Administrative requests should be directed to Cindy Donati, wallraff.office@phys.ethz.ch (no applications).

Apply online now

Postdoc Position for Synthetic Biology-Inspired Therapies

 The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group directed by Prof. Martin Fussenegger at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of the ETH Zurich in Basel is recruiting a Postdoc for research projects in the field of Synthetic Biology-inspired human therapies

The D-BSSE is the first truly interdisciplinary research unit of the ETH Zurich where theory, experimental biology and engineering groups team up to foster advances in Systems Biology, Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology. With its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, the D-BSSE is situated in the heart of the Biovalley, a tri-national region hosting 40% of the global life science industry including several pharma giants, which provides a unique environment for high-leverage translational research.

Project background

Our group uses state-of-the-art Synthetic Biology principles to engineer human cells and develop cell-based therapies for the treatment of cancer as well as metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Please consult our webpage and published work for further information.

Job description

The projects will combine basic and translational research to develop novel synthetic biology-inspired principles. Rational programming the behavior of human cells will shape future biomedical applications. This may include the design of novel biosensors, gene switches and genetic closed-loop circuits, the synthesis of novel chemical structures to interface and actuate cellular activities or to design programmable cellular implantable devices.

Your profile

• You are exceptionally motivated to bridge basic and translational research in cell biology and synthetic biology.
• Strong skills in standard molecular and cell biology techniques and the cultivation and engineering of primary human cells and mammalian cell lines are a prerequisite.
• We expect a strong publication record as well as the ambition to pursue an academic, industrial R&D career or to initiate start-up activities.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

• CV
• full study record
• publication list
• a motivation letter
• two letters of recommendation
• a short research plan

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
For additional questions please contact Professor Martin Fussenegger by mail (martin.fussenegger@bsse.ethz.ch).

Apply online now

PhD Position for Synthetic Biology-Inspired Therapies

 The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group directed by Prof. Martin Fussenegger at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), in Basel is recruiting a PhD candidate for research projects in the fields of personalized medicine and bioelectronics.

The D-BSSE is the first truly interdisciplinary research unit of ETH Zurich where theory, experimental biology and engineering groups team up to foster advances in Systems Biology, Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology. With its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, the D-BSSE is situated in the heart of the Biovalley, a tri-national region hosting 40% of the global life science industry including several pharma giants, which provides a unique environment for high-leverage translational research.

Project background

Our group uses state-of-the-art Synthetic Biology principles to engineer human cells and develop cell-based therapies for the treatment of cancer as well as metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Please consult our webpage and published work for further information.

Job description

The projects will combine basic and translational research to develop novel synthetic biology-inspired principles. Rational programming the behavior of human cells will shape future biomedical applications. This may include the design of novel biosensors, gene switches and genetic closed-loop circuits, the synthesis of novel chemical structures to interface and actuate cellular activities or to design programmable cellular implantable devices.

Your profile

• You are exceptionally motivated to bridge basic and translational research in cell biology and synthetic biology.
• Strong skills in standard molecular and cell biology techniques and the cultivation and engineering of primary human cells and mammalian cell lines are a prerequisite.
• We expect an outstanding study record as well as the ambition to pursue an academic, industrial R&D career or to initiate start-up activities.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

• CV
• full study record
• publication list
• a motivation letter
• two letters of recommendation (if available)

​​​​​​Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
For additional questions please contact Professor Martin Fussenegger by mail: martin.fussenegger@bsse.ethz.ch (no applications).

Apply online now

PhD Position in Earthquake Seismology

 We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to study the Seismic Signatures of Aseismic Processes, using machine and deep learning techniques.

The PhD position is one out of 11 positions at universities from across Europe, which together form a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network: the TREAD project ('daTa and pRocessess in sEismic hAzarD'). That is, your project will be integrated with 10 other, related PhD projects. While mainly based at ETH Zurich, you will also be working with Université Grenoble-Alpes in France, and you will regularly participate in training and science meetings with your doctoral network fellows.

You can find further details here.

Job description

Main Supervisor: Men-Andrin Meier (ETH Zurich); Co-Supervisor: David Marsan (UGA)

Objectives: Aseismic processes can play a first-order role in the build-up to large earthquakes, but they are hard to detect and monitor. The strong recent advances in deep learning powered seismic monitoring is an opportunity to fundamentally improve the detection and characterisation of the subtle seismic signatures that aseismic processes leave behind. The doctoral candidate will i) develop new DL methods that are tailored to characterise the seismic signatures of aseismic slip during earthquake sequences, in particular stress migration and rotation, strain acceleration as captured by repeating earthquakes, and fluid pressure build-up as evidenced by seismic swarms; and ii) study the predictive value of aseismic observations for anticipating large earthquakes. We will use some of the recent, exceptionally well recorded earthquake sequences to constrain transient aseismic deformation, including deformation caused by underground fluid flow. From this observational basis we will be able to develop a mixture seismicity model that accounts for the observed triggering of earthquakes by both previous shocks and by aseismic transients. This will allow us to study how the total deformation is partitioned into seismic and aseismic contributions, in space and in time. The goal is to understand the physics of the hard-to-observe aseismic deformation, and to design a seismicity model that provides substantially improved probability gain, compared to state-of-the-art models.

Expected Results: (1) Development and implementation of DL monitoring method to generate next-level, deep seismicity catalogues; (2) Observational monitoring and inference of aseismic deformation, and their underlying driving mechanisms such as fluid flow; (3) Operational seismicity model for predicting the evolution of earthquake sequences; (4) Improved understanding of the interactions between seismic and aseismic deformation mechanisms; (5) Data-driven, objective inference of fault structures and geometries at small, decametre scale.

Your profile

• We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher who is curious about earthquake science and hazard, and who likes to work as part of a team.
• Programming skills and a strong interest in quantitative and deep learning methods are appreciated.

Curious? So are we.

We are looking forward to receiving your online application.

Apply online now

Postdoctoral fellowship in soft eDNA collectors for biodiversity monitoring

 The Environmental Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich welcomes applications for a postdoctoral fellowship on the study, development and characterization of soft collectors for terrestrial and airborne environmental DNA.

The position is available for one year and renewable for up to two years based on performance. The start date will be agreed upon by both parties.

Project background

With the historic Kunming-Montreal Agreement of 18 December 2022, more than 200 countries agreed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. But becoming nature-positive is an ambitious goal, also held-back by the lack of efficient and accurate tools to capture snapshots of global biodiversity. This is a task where robots, in combination with environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies, can make a difference. Measuring biodiversity with eDNA involves collecting and sequencing the genetic traces shed by local species in the environment. eDNA surveys are revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring because they are non-invasive and multiple species, even the most elusive ones, can be detected from a single environmental sample (e.g., water, soil, air). Sample collection is one of the most laborious and expensive parts of the workflow. Robots equipped with appropriate collection material can automate eDNA surveys and provide standardised and inexpensive biodiversity monitoring even in difficult-to-access environments.

Job description

In our work recently published in Science Robotics, we showed that a drone can collect eDNA from tree branches with commercially available adhesive materials (tape or humified gauze). We now want to study collectors with materials that are specifically designed for eDNA. Therefore, the proposed research project will explore new methods and materials to collect DNA and DNA-containing particles from various sources (e.g. surface, air) and substrates (e.g. soil, bark and leaves). This research includes:

• Experiment with functional materials, soft architectures and innovative manufacturing approaches to implement eDNA collectors (e.g. smart materials, origami production methods).
• Integrate the collectors on commercial or customised drones.
• Characterise the collectors with controlled experiments and field studies in collaboration with ecologists.
• Develop and test methods to extract eDNA from the collectors in collaboration with molecular biologists.

Your profile

• You should hold a PhD in robotics, materials science, or related fields.
• A strong knowledge of design, prototyping and control of mechatronic systems is required.
• Strong motivation to work in a highly multidisciplinary environment collaborating with biologists and environmental scientists is required.
• Fluent communication skills (written and presentation) in English are essential. 
• You will also be expected to support PhD supervision, help coordinate the participation in the XPRIZE Rainforest challenge and contribute to the lab's teaching activities.

We look forward to receiving online applications including:

• CV including full publication list,
• copy of the PhD Thesis,
• two reference letters,
• 1-page letter of motivation addressed to Prof. Dr Stefano Mintchev.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted via our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. 

For more information, specific questions regarding the position can be directed to Professor Stefano Mintchev at smintchev@ethz.ch (no applications). Review of applications will be on an ongoing basis beginning Feb 27th 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

Apply online now

PostDoctoral Researcher in Urban Quantitative and Theoretical Economics

 ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities in the world with a strong focus on science and engineering. In 2010 it established the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF) to do interdisciplinary research on pressing problems.

The centre currently runs several research programmes with the Future Cities Laboratory (FCL) as one of the programmes. It is home to a community of over 100 PhD, postdoctoral and Professorial researchers working on diverse themes related to sustainable cities and resilient infrastructure systems. In the course of their work, researchers actively collaborate with universities, research institutes, industry, and government agencies with the aim of offering practical solutions.

Project background

The Resource Efficient Urban Intensification (EFF) research group within FCL, SEC, aims to derive quantitative, predictive models of how the densification of cities impacts their social and economic functioning, as well as their resource efficiency. To that end, the research will make use of large-scale human activity data (e.g., aggregated mobile phone data) and other types of urban data.

The project is embedded in a large-scale venture dubbed “Future Cities Lab”, and the subdomain it belongs in is concerned with measuring people’s mobility patterns within the urban space. Such mobility patterns can be measured by georeferenced cell phone data in conjunction with rich data on the supply of services. This type of measurement will be provided by Work Package 1 of the same project and utilized to inform a theoretical and quantitative model of the city. The latter should feature a hierarchy of clusters of services supply (ranging from administration to education, leisure, etc.) to mimic on a micro- and mesogeographical scale the activity patterns of individuals within the city. The model is supposed to be designed in a way to allow counterfactual simulations for rearranged services supply clusters in order to inform about transport demand, energy demand, etc. The latter will be an input into the project’s Work Package 3 which is interested in distilling recommendations regarding the optimal design of the urban space.

FCL Global in Singapore is looking for an exceptional candidate to fill the Postdoctoral Researcher position in the field of Urban Quantitative and Theoretical Economics for 2 years.

Job description

Your work will entail formulating urban economic models with a focus on a micro- and mesogeographical scale. In particular, such models should allow for a polycentric and perhaps a nested mono- and polycentric city structure. Your main tasks of the project will involve the design of equilibrium models that can be calibrated and simulated to quantify counterfactual changes in response to modifications of some of the fundamental city parameters regarding the supply of certain services a city provides (e.g., through modifications of the denominations for the use of certain parcels of land, etc.).

You will contribute to the design of the research project, collaborate with both the academic and the industrial partners in the project. Towards the production of outcome from the project, you will be a co-author of presentations at scientific workshops and conferences as well as in publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.

Your profile

You should have a Ph.D. in Economics, Mathematics, or Physics and be interested in and capable of working with theoretical and quantitative models. Such models involve choice problems (regarding residency, consumption, etc.) and they involve interdependencies between actors (households and companies) through their dependence on common resources, factor incomes, prices, etc.

You should be versatile in reading and using tools from economic theory. Knowing urban economic methods is helpful but not required at this point.

Specifically, you can master numerical solution algorithms in Matlab, R, Python, or Giulia. An important goal of the project will be to solve micro- and meso-regional models of cities, where parcels of the city will be characterized by features (amenities, accessibility, jobs, etc.). A goal is to analyse the response of these micro- and meso-regions of a city to shocks. This will be done on the basis of econometric models (to learn key parameters for the calibration of models) as well as the simulation of calibrated models.

Overall, the versatility in the use of empirical models and the familiarity with simulation techniques will be very important to the project.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including educational history, full list of publications, awards, etc
• Cover letter explaining your interests, goals, and how they would relate to and fit in with the EFF group’s research
• Copy of your publication relevant to the project
• Contact details of at least 2 references, mentioning for each of them the professional relationship you have with them

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about the position, please contact Prof Peter Egger by e-mail: pegger@ethz.ch

Apply online now

Postdoctoral researcher in single-cell phylodynamics

 The Computational Evolution Group, led by Prof. Dr. Tanja Stadler, in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) works at the interface of mathematics, computer science and evolutionary biology. We develop phylogenetic and phylodynamic methods to understand evolutionary, ecological, epidemiological and developmental processes on different scales based on genetic data. 

Our research group is located in Basel, Switzerland’s oldest university city and a European hot-spot for biomedical research. Our department is in close proximity to several other academic research institutes as well as major pharmaceutical and biotech companies. We are also part of the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, a major developer and provider of bioinformatics services and resources.

Applications are invited for the position of postdoctoral researcher with Prof. Dr. Tanja Stadler. The position is fixed-term for 2 years with possibility of extension.

Project background

How does a single fertilised egg develop into a functioning organism?

The answer to this question depends on the underlying population dynamic process, i.e. the division and change of individual cells. Within the EU-funded PhyCogy project, one of our goals is to introduce phylodynamics into developmental biology, by formulating and characterizing models describing the division and change of individual cells. With the resulting so-called phylodynamic modelling framework, we will move from a qualitative description of developmental processes to a quantification of developmental processes.  

Job description

The open position is in the emerging field of single-cell phylodynamics. You will work closely with Prof. Dr. Tanja Stadler and other team members in the Computational Evolution group. Basel's excellent research environment will allow you to interact directly with single-cell genomics experts Barbara Treutlein and Alex Schier.

The ultimate goal of the project is to quantify important developmental processes from single-cell data that have so far only been qualitatively described. You will quantify the rates of cell division (i.e., replication), cell apoptosis (i.e., death), and cell differentiation (i.e., transition) based on single-cell phylogenies that are estimated from single-cell lineage tracing (e.g., GESTALT, iTracer) and single-cell transcriptomic data. We recently developed and implemented a conceptual framework for such quantification. You are envisioned to contribute your ideas on biological questions as well as computational method extensions such that single-cell lineage and transcriptomic data can deepen our understanding of development.

Your profile

• We are looking for a highly motivated early career researcher with strong quantitative skills.
• You will have completed a PhD in biology, computational biology, biostatistics or a related discipline prior to starting the position.
• Familiarity with single-cell analysis or developmental biology is a requirement for the position.
• Experience with single-cell lineage tracing is a big plus. 
• Extensive knowledge of phylogenetics or phylodynamics is not required, but a strong interest in learning to handle and understand these tools will be essential.
• You will engage in interdisciplinary research as part of a team, so clear and effective communication skills are a priority.
• We value an open and inclusive group culture.
• As a member of the Computational Evolution group, you will be expected to help us maintain a positive team dynamic and a welcoming work environment.
• Our working language in the group is English and no knowledge of German is required.
• In line with our commitment to an open and inclusive group culture we welcome applications from individuals of all demographic groups and personal backgrounds. 

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents by March 13th 2023:

• Curriculum Vitae including your educational history and a full list of publications.
• Letter of motivation of max. 2 pages covering your past research experiences and future research interests, goals and how they would relate to and fit in with the PhyCogy project and the Computational Evolution group’s research domain and activities.
• Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of at least two references, mentioning for each the professional relationship you have with them.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Applications should be written in English. The selection committee will review all applications within 3-4 weeks after the application deadline.

For further information please visit our lab website for further information. Questions regarding the position (no applications) should be directed to Dr Louis du Plessis (louis.duplessis@bsse.ethz.ch).

Apply online now

PhD Position in Global History

 The Swiss National Science Foundation-funded Research Project ‘Fighting Insect Enemies at the Tropical Frontier: Entomology in Plantation Economies c. 1890-1930’ directed by Dr. Tomás Bartoletti offers a Ph.D. position associated with the professorship for History of the Modern World in the Department of Human, Social and Political Sciences of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zürich, Switzerland.  

The position is funded for four years and the thesis will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Harald Fischer-Tiné in close cooperation with Dr. Tomás Bartoletti. The start date is 1 September 2023 (or at the candidate’s earliest convenience).

Job description

The successful candidate will work in close cooperation with Dr. Tomás Bartoletti and the doctoral and postdoctoral researchers of the professorship ‘History of the Modern World’. The candidate is expected to present interim results at national and international conferences, write the Ph.D. thesis and publish two scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals during the four years of the contract.

The Ph.D. project should be concerned with the history of agricultural sciences, particularly entomology and phytopathology, and capitalism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It can address one or several of the following topics: the history of the tobacco industry in Switzerland and/or Europe; the history of pest and plant diseases; the trajectories pest control research; the growth of chemical companies producing insecticides; pesticides and agricultural development; or other subjects related to the history of economic entomology in plantations. Prospective applicants should submit a project proposal relevant to the research project, detailing research questions, the geographic scope of the project, and potential source bases. Projects focusing on regional, national, transnational, and/or the global scale are welcome. There is no preference for specific regions and the call is open to all geographical contexts. Scholars with a project pertaining to the history of Switzerland and/or its European neighbours and their global or colonial connections are also encouraged to apply.

Tomás Bartoletti’s project will contribute to the costs of the successful applicant’s research stays in Swiss and international archives, as well as travel expenses for conferences. The professorship ‘History of the Modern World’ offers an inspiring research environment with an international team of doctoral and postdoctoral students, and regular exchanges with scholars from around the world. Successful applicants will have full access to a modern infrastructure in one of the world’s leading research universities located in the heart of Europe. The salary is according to ETH regulations.

Your profile

• You should hold an MA (or an MPhil) by July 2023
• You  should have a background in 19th to 20th century Global History; Imperial/Colonial History; European History, Latin American History, African History, Middle Eastern History, South-East Asian History, East Asian History; Economic History; Environmental History; History of Science, and related fields.
• You should be proficient in English. Knowledge of German and/or French is a welcome asset, but not mandatory.

We look forward to receiving your online application addressed (in Englisch) to Dr. Tomás Bartoletti with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Documentation of qualifications
• Project description (3–5 pages, maximum 15,000 characters, not including references)
• Chapter from the MA/ MPhil thesis or an article
• Letter of reference from an academic familiar with the applicant’s work

Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2023.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information please visit our website, www.gmw.ethz.ch and/or contact Dr. Tomás Bartoletti, tomas.bartoletti@gmw.gess.ethz.ch (no applications).

Apply online now

Postdoc in cellular agriculture (animal-free milk protein functionality)

 Are you ambitious and want to perform pioneering research on the next generation of sustainable alternative food proteins? Do you want to become an important part of a large collaborative and interdisciplinary project?

We have a Postdoc position in our new project on functional food proteins from cellular agriculture. Will you join us?

As Post-Doc Researcher you will mostly be involved in research (80 %) but will also have the chance to join the project management and outreach activities (20%). Your tasks include:

• studying and tuning the functionality of different animal-free milk and single cell protein fractions for food applications;
• regular publishing the results in peer-reviewed journals;
• developing a proof-of-principle product in collaboration with our academic and industrial partners;
• supporting PhD students with development of downstream processes and actively initiating/strengthening collaborations among the various project partners;
• Support the project lead with project management tasks (e.g., organize project meetings, conduct interviews with media, initiate collaborations).

The position will be based in the Food Process Engineering group at Wageningen University.  

About the project
The position is funded by the NWO Key Technologies Project: Protein Transition 2.0, with co-funding from a large number of international companies and several involved PhD students and post-docs:

Cellular agriculture, and single-cell proteins are part of a major revolution that will allow us to meet future food protein needs very efficiently and with high sensorial and nutritional quality, while requiring hardly any agricultural land. A multidisciplinary team of researchers will explore the potential of these new protein sources together with companies and stakeholders, using existing raw material from start-up companies involved in producing A) tissue engineered milk, B) precision fermentation derived milk proteins and C) single cell proteins (biomass). For application impact, we explore the bottlenecks that currently hinder affordable large-scale production: protein quality, mild downstream processing, scalability, and application, EU legislation, and safety.

This project is a collaboration with Wageningen University, Utrecht University and Maastricht University and will provide insights into the applicability, sustainability and feasibility of using animal-free milk proteins for food applications.

You will be embedded within the chair of Food Process Engineering (Chairholder Prof. Remko Boom), and part of the Protein Functionalization team, which is led by Associate Prof. Julia Keppler.

Your qualities

You have:

• a successful PhD in food science, biotechnology, chemical technology, or equivalent;
• a good track record of internationally recognized peer-reviewed publications;
• experience with protein analyses (physicochemical properties, techno-functionality);
• experience in sustainability analyses and, and or protein extraction processes is a bonus;
• have excellent communication, writing and organizational skills and are able to work both independently and in a team environment;
• Are fluent in English at C1 level.

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 2960,-. and € 4670,-. for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10).

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 17^th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Do you want more information?

Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Julia Keppler, Associate Professor, by email: julia.keppler@wur.nl.
For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, recruiter, by e-mail: rutger.voorrips@wur.nl.

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly by uploading your CV and motivation letter, using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including March 10th 2023. The preferred starting date for this position is spring 2023.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

Apply now