Process and subsample the Lac de Taney sediment core (~50 samples)
Extract and analyze lipid biomarkers via UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS
Perform DNA extraction and prepare samples for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing
Interpret multi-proxy data to reconstruct past microbial community dynamics
Optionally join a fieldwork campaign at Lake Rotsee to see core retrieval firsthand in October 2026

Enrolled in an MSc programme at ETH in geoscience, environmental science, biology, or a related field
Interest in biogeochemistry, (paleo)limnology, and/or microbial ecology
Willing to work with a range of analytical techniques
No prior experience with mass spectrometry or molecular biology required

Location: Eawag Dübendorf, Zurich (ZH)
Start: Fall semester 2026 (proposal phase), Spring semester 2027 (project). Exact start date can be discussed.
Duration: 6 months
Supervisors: Lorenzo Cellino, PhD student, and Nora Richter, SNSF Ambizione Fellow
Application deadline: 30 October 2026 or until position is filled (rolling basis)
Application materials: Short cover letter (max. one page) describing interests and relevance to position, plus CV
Contact: Lorenzo Cellino or Nora Richter by email
Flexible workplace and working hours available upon request

Hands-on laboratory experience across full analytical pipeline spanning organic geochemistry and molecular biology
Access to state-of-the-art instrumentation including UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS
Close supervision within an active research group
Possibility to shape specific research questions based on student interests
Inclusive working environment with support for work-life balance

Master's thesis in Reconstructing methanotrophic bacteria communities during the Holocene of an alpine lake (m/f/d)

Über den Job