Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
Laboratory Technician 50 %
The position will be held in the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Zurich, with access to modern infrastructure, a diverse and interactive scientific atmosphere, and an international, largely English-speaking working environment.
Your responsibilities
We are seeking a laboratory technician to work on a project on ecological forecasting. We will implement a long-term laboratory experiment with aquatic micro-ecosystems containing communities of bacteria, protists, and rotifers. Microcosms will be sampled frequently to investigate the predictability of population dynamics, biodiversity, and ecosystem processes. The overall goal of the project is to advance the limits of ecological forecasting in changing environments.
In collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher, the successful candidate will implement and sample the proposed microcosm experiment. Specific responsibilities include:
Maintenance and sampling of a long-term microcosm experiment
Processing of samples with microscopy, FlowCam, and flow cytometry
Processing of nutrients and organic carbon
Preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing
Your profile
Trained Lab Technician or Master of Science.
Strong experience with working in a wet-lab and with maintenance of cultures (i.e. handling of cultures under sterile conditions, preparation of media). Experience with flow cytometry, microscopy and/or water chemistry is an asset.
High accuracy, reliability, and sense of responsibility.
Ideally, the candidate has some flexibility with respect to time, and is willing to occasionally work on the weekend.
What we offer
The successful candidate will work in the group of Prof. Dr. Owen Petchey at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Zurich. The successful applicant will implement the experiment together with postdoctoral researcher Dr. Romana Limberger. We offer a position in a highly motivated team of international researchers, a friendly work environment, and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure. For more information on the research group of Prof. Dr. Owen Petchey, please visit our website.
Please submit your application by February 23, 2020 as a single PDF file to Maja Weilenmann. Your application (in English) should include a
cover letter stating your motivation for this position, a CV, and copies of degrees. Please also
include contact information of two people who would be willing to provide a reference letter.
Interviews will be conducted at least partly in English.
