Research Assistant in Applied Plant Biochemistry

Research Assistant in Applied Plant Biochemistry
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position available in the Plant Biochemistry group in the Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (Department of Biology), ETH Zurich.

The on-going project investigates starch biosynthesis in the important crop plant, cassava (Manihot esculenta). The starch-rich storage roots of cassava serve as a vital source of nutrition for approximately 1 billion people, particularly in Africa, as well as a renewable raw material for local and global value chains. The overall aims are to use fundamental knowledge about starch biosynthesis in model systems, other starch crops, and in cassava itself, and devise strategies for cassava improvement (e.g. via genome editing). The Research Assistant will be integrated into the international Cassava Source-Sink (CASS) research consortium.

Job description

This position requires a sound knowledge of plant biology and broad range of laboratory skills, encompassing molecular biology and genetics, plant tissue culture, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and biochemistry. Experience with protein purification and light/fluorescence microscopy would be advantageous. You will be expected to contribute to the practical supervision of undergraduate and Master's students through assisting in laboratory courses and semester projects. As a Research Assistant, you will be expected to plan and conduct experiments, analyze data, help prepare manuscripts and present findings at internal and external meetings. The position is based in the IMPB laboratories on the Hönggerberg campus of ETH Zurich, with some activities also at the Research Station for Plant Sciences in Lindau/Eschikon. Periodically, there will be visits to other groups within the CASS consortium.

The position is available from January 2026 and is fixed-term (3 years).

Profile

• Applicants should hold a PhD degree in plant sciences or have equivalent experience.
• You should be highly organized and capable of working both independently and considerately within the team.
• Experience in plant tissue culture and molecular biology techniques is essential. Candidates should also have good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluency in both spoken and written English is required. German language skills would be advantageous.
• A valid driving license is required.

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. The university is renowned for offering an excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. ETH Zurich promotes independent thinking and creates an environment and community that inspires excellence, with over 30,000 employees and students from more than 120 countries. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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 application with the following documents:

• CV
• Motivation letter (one page)
• Electronic copies of your Master's and PhD certificates (or equivalent)
• Name and contact details of two referees

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 contact Dr Simon Bull ) or Professor Samuel C. Zeeman ).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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