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) invites applications for:
Laboratory Technician on surveillance of infectious disease agents including SARS-CoV-2 and Variants of Concern in wastewater (60-100%)
At Eawag, we are actively monitoring wastewater for the presence of respiratory diseases through detection of RNA. Our work has led to time series data on SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, and RSVRNA concentrations in wastewater from 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).
Within this context, we are developing and applying methods for detection, quantification, and sequencing of infectious disease agents and antimicrobial resistance 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. Some effort may be devoted to 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 diseases in Switzerland.
If you are excited about this topic, and you hold a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (EFZ) as Laboratory Technician specializing in biology and/or you hold an Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Biomedical Analytics (HF) or a B.Sc or M.Sc. in microbiology, biology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, public health or a related field (ideally from a university of applied sciences and in connection with a VET diploma), you are invited to apply. Prior experience working in a biological or microbiological laboratory is beneficial. 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 and engage in the training and mentoring of apprentices. 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.
Applications 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.
Eawag offers a unique
research and working environment and is committed to promoting equal opportunities for women and men and to support the compatibility of family and work. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult
www.eawag.ch and
www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.
For further information, please contact Dr. Christoph Ort (christoph.ort@eawag.ch) or Dr. Tim Julian (tim.julian@eawag.ch).
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 will take you directly to the application form.