Postdoc or PhD student position in molecular dissection of cellular crosstalk in the intestinal mucosa

Postdoc or PhD student position in molecular dissection of cellular crosstalk in the intestinal mucosa
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The intestinal mucosa forms an integral barrier between our bodies and the outside world. Being exposed to a huge variety of metabolites and microbes taken up with our food or stably colonizing the intestine, it is permeable for essential nutrients while serving as a protective barrier to prevent microbial translocation. A tight balance between the intestinal epithelium, immune cells in the underlying tissue and the intestinal microbiota present in the lumen maintains intestinal homeostasis. The impairment of this balance can trigger disease, such as infection, metabolic disorders, and chronic inflammation (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease). The Hausmann group focuses on understanding how these key players interact to maintain intestinal homeostasis, with a special interest in the intestinal epithelium. We make use of state-of-the-art in vivo and in vitro organoid and microbiota models, omics techniques and bioengineering approaches to dissect cellular crosstalk in the intestinal mucosa in homeostasis and inflammation. Please enter text here

Project background

We offer a PhD student (100%) or Postdoc (100%) position within the Hausmann group, currently located at the Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich (Hönggerberg Campus); regular group and 1-1 meetings; the possibility to lead your research project with a high degree of independence and to contribute to collaborative research projects in- and outside the team. You will be part of a dynamic research environment with a strong microbiology, immunology, and epithelial cell biology network at ETH and UZH, have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of stimulating internal and external seminars.

Job description

• We are looking for an intrinsically motivated, creative person, who is passionate about driving and performing research in an interdisciplinary team and can work independently.
• You will receive hands-on supervision and training, along with support for your professional and personal growth.
• Your responsibilities will include designing and conducting wet-lab experiments that address specific research questions, analyzing complex data and effectively communicating your findings, participating in strategic planning, collaborating with others, and writing scientific papers, engaging with all aspects of the research group's work, from reading relevant literature to sharing ideas and participating in group meetings and journal clubs, contributing to supervision of students and teaching.

Profile

For employment at postdoc level, experience in at least two of the following areas is required: bioinformatics analysis of high dimensional data (R/Python), metabolomics, tissue/organoid culture work, (anaerobic) bacterial culture. Highly beneficial experience at all levels includes mouse models/animal handling, microbiology, bioengineering (hydrogels, microfluidics) and/or mucosal immunology.

For employment at PhD level, you should have experience in at least two of the areas mentioned above. We are a diverse and multinational team, which requires good communication skills and fluency in English.

Please provide your full application (i.e. CV and a brief summary of past research, a motivation letter, relevant degrees/certificates and names of two references) via the online applicant portal.

The starting date is flexible but should ideally be latest in March 2026.

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
• The Mucosal Crosstalk group of Dr. Annika Hausmann (SNSF Ambizione group leader) is currently embedded in the Mucosal Immunology lab headed by Prof. Emma Slack, forms part of the Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health and belongs to the Department for Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zürich.
• Here, engineers, materials scientists, biochemists and biologists work together to solve some of the most pressing societal issues, such as microbiota-associated and chronic inflammatory diseases.

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

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

• CV and a brief summary of past research
• Motivation letter
• Relevant degrees (BSc/MSc/PhD)
• Names of two references

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

Further information about the Hausmann group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Annika Hausmann ) (no applications).

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