PhD Position – Exploring the human microbiome and human DNA/RNA markers for forensic

Institut für Rechtsmedizin

PhD Position – Exploring the human microbiome and human DNA/RNA markers for forensic (and clinical) 80 %

Start of employment , temporary

We develop novel methods to enhance forensic investigations, bridging basic research and casework applications. Topics include extracting information from biological stains (identifying contributors, body fluid/tissue type, time-since-deposition), inferring biogeographical ancestry of unknown contributors, as well as projects in SIDS/SUD and wildlife forensics. For more information, please visit our group website:

Your responsibilities

You will conduct a PhD project focusing on microbiome-based analyses with primary emphasis on forensic applications, while also exploring their potential translation to clinical and anthropological contexts. Forensic applications include body fluid/tissue and individual identification, as well as geo- location, with the possibility to integrate complementary human mRNA and DNA methylation markers. In parallel, the research will contribute to understanding microbial signatures related to health and human evolution, through collaborations with other departments.

The project includes:

• Sequence data generation from human body sites in the laboratory, primarily 16S rRNA gene (ASV) and shotgun metagenomics, with additional human RNA/DNA methods as needed (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, next-generation sequencing, contamination control).
• Reproducible analytics: building pipelines in R/Python, robust statistics, and machine-learning classifiers.
• Results dissemination: manuscripts, internal reports, and conference presentations.
• Collaboration & training: coordination with clinical/forensic partners.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who brings the following qualifications and qualities:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in (molecular) biology, population genetics, microbiology, computational biology, biostatistics, or a related field.
• Experience with next-generation sequence data analyses preferred, strong skills in R and/or Python, and in statistics.
• Strong scientific writing and communication in English, good knowledge of German (or willingness to learn and speak German) is preferred

Information on your application

Please send one PDF containing:

• CV (with contact details for 2–3 referees)
• Motivation letter
• Transcripts (BSc/MSc)

Indicate earliest start date in your email. Deadline for applications is We value an inclusive research culture and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

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
Institut für Rechtsmedizin

Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information
Questions about the job

Dr. Natasha Arora

Head of Research, Forensic Genetics, IRM-UZH

Questions about the application procedure

Alex Marquez

Personalverantwortliche

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer

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