Phd Position: Exploring Ancient Microbiomes for a Sustainable Agriculture

**Department of Plant and Microbial Biology/Agroecology and Plant-Microbiome Interactions**
**PhD Position: Exploring Ancient Microbiomes for a Sustainable Agriculture 80 %**: Start of employment 1. February 2025

Microbes play a key role in ecosystems and regulate plant growth and ecosystem functioning. In previous studies, we have observed that microbes and microbial diversity can enhance plant productivity and promote ecosystem sustainability (e.g., Wagg et al. 2019, Nature Communications; Banerjee & van der Heijden 2023, Nature Reviews Microbiology; Lutz et al. 2023, Nature Microbiology). However, the role of microbial community composition and the importance of specific microbes (e.g., keystone taxa) for plant growth and resistance to stress (e.g., drought) is still poorly understood. Here, you will test whether ancient plant-microbe interactions provide better protection against heat and drought stress and improve nutrient use efficiency for low-input agriculture compared to contemporary interactions. Using ancient microbiome data from past ecosystems, we will simulate ancient microbial communities and simulate novel microbiomes to test their impact on plant growth and ecosystem performance. You will be part of the Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability, a very large consortium funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation with excellent contributing labs in Denmark, UK, Netherlands, Germany, USA and South Korea, who have published groundbreaking work including work on ancient microbiomes (e.g., Allentoft et al. 2024, Nature; Sousa de Mota et al. 2023, Nature; Kjær et al. 2023, Nature; Willerslev et al. 2014, Nature), plant-microbe interactions (Li et al. 2022, Nature Communications; Choi et al. 2020, Nature Communications), microbial ecology (Philippot et al. 2024, Nature Review Microbiology) and breeding (Dockter et al. 2024, Plant Biotechnology Journal).

Research will take place within the project Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability, funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation (see Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability - AEGIS). The research takes place at the Agroecology & Plant Microbiome Interactions Group at the University of Zurich and Agroscope (location Zurich). This is a dynamic group consisting of staff, technicians, Postdocs, PhDs, Students & Guests with app. 25 members. The group focuses on plant-soil-microbe-interactions, soil biodiversity, the development of sustainable/ecological farming systems, and soil ecological engineering. The university of Zurich and Agroscope have excellent research facilities with well-equipped laboratories, greenhouses, climate chambers and agricultural fields. You will enjoy flexible working hours and good social benefits.

**Your responsibilities**:

- Design synthetic communities based on sequencing data from ancient sediments.
- Conduct microcosm, greenhouse and field experiments.
- Evaluate the performance of synthetic communities under stress conditions (e.g. drought).
- Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

**Your profile**:

- Master's degree in biology, microbiology, environmental science or agronomy with excellent grades.
- Expertise in plant-microbe experiments, microcosm experiments, synthetic communities and/or molecular skills to analyse microbial communities.
- Strong statistical skills would be an advantage.
- Good organisational, communication and teamwork skills.
- High level of motivation and flexibility. An achievement-oriented and an open-minded personality with good capacity for teamwork.

**What we offer**:
**Work-Life Balance**
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

**Learning and Development**
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

**Food**
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

**Healthcare**
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

**Discounts**
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations

**Conditions of Employment**
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

**International Services**
- Support for people from outside Switzerland

**Campuses**
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

**Location**:
**Department of Plant and Microbial Biology/Agroecology and Plant-Microbiome Interactions***:Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland

**Further information**:
**Questions about the job**:
**Prof. Marcel Van der Heijden**
- Head of Department
- +41 58 468 72 78