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 a
Research Assistant (80-100%) on 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 (https://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 a laboratory position, focused on laboratory work to support the collection and analysis of this data, logistical support for sample and data collection, and expanding the methods to other pathogens or SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern. Some effort may be devoted 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 M.Sc. or 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 working in a biological or microbiological laboratory is necessary. Experience in virology or molecular methods, including RNA/DNA extraction and qPCR/dPCR is beneficial. The working language is English and German. The position is for 1 year, with possibility of prolongation dependent on funding. 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.
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.
Applications are welcome until 1 January 2022, but will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Please include a letter of motivation (1 page max.) explaining why you think you fit this position well, a CV, and the names and contact information of two references.
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.
