Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.The Department of Environmental Microbiology (Umik) and Urban Drainage (SWW) are looking for aScientific Collaborator (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) 80% - 100%For the surveillance of infectious disease agents including SARS-CoV-2 and Variants of Concern in wastewater.
Throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Switzerland, we have been actively monitoring wastewater for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Our work has led to time series data on SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater from six wastewater treatment plants across Switzerland, translation of the data into wastewater-derived effective reproduction numbers, and time series data on SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern from wastewater (www.eawag.ch/covid19_sewage). We are also actively working on faster, sequence-independent approaches for detection of Variants of Concern in wastewater.
Within this context, we are developing and applying methods for detection, quantification, and sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and related infectious disease agents in wastewater. The advertised position is focused on further developing these methods, expanding the methods detection of Variants of Concern, and transferring knowledge to relevant stakeholders. Data obtained are integrated into publically available online dashboards. The goal of the project is to advance environmental surveillance of wastewater to inform trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 and related pathogens in Switzerland.
If you are excited about this topic, and you hold a Ph.D. or M.Sc. with equivalent experience, e.g. from industry or as member of a research laboratory team, in microbiology, molecular biology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, public health, or related field, you are invited to apply. Prior experience in molecular methods, including RNA/DNA extraction and qPCR/dPCR is necessary. Experience in virology, sequencing and/or bioinformatics is beneficial. The candidate must also be interested in and willing to engage in stakeholder engagement, including education and training. The working language is English and German. The candidate must be willing to work in a team environment. We offer a very dynamic and collaborative research environment, which profits from state-of-the-art infrastructure and support. In addition, you will interact with multiple academic, government, and non-government institutional collaborators, including leading international researchers in the field. Project intended start date is as soon as possible, dependent on availability of the candidate. Currently the position is fully funded for 1.5 years with option for renewal depending on funding.
Applications are welcome by 15 August 2021 but will be accepted until position is filled. Please include a letter of motivation (1 page max.) explaining why you think you fit this position well, a CV (including publication list and other relevant achievements), and the names and contact information of two references.
Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.
For further information, please contact Dr Christoph Ort or Dr Tim Julian
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
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