Postdoc on molecular methods for the detection of infectious disease agents in wastewater

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) invites applications for :

Postdoc on molecular methods for the detection of infectious disease agents in wastewater

The Wastewater Monitoring Laboratory at Eawag actively surveils wastewater for public health relevant data, including tracking dynamics and sequences of respiratory pathogens SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV. Our work has led to time series data from 10 wastewater treatment plants across Switzerland, translation of the data into wastewater-derived effective reproduction numbers, and time series data on genomic variation in Influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater.

Within this context, we are developing and applying methods for detection, quantification, and sequencing of pathogens and other biological and chemical markers of public health interest in wastewater. The advertised position is focused on advancing these methods, including further development of viral and bacterial target gene enrichment, multiplexed digital assays, and sequencing approaches. New methods will be rapidly applied to ongoing surveillance efforts, with a goal of transferring new methods and knowledge to relevant stakeholders. This work will be conducted in the context of a large, interdisciplinary project including environmental microbiologists, environmental engineers, epidemiologists and bioinformaticians. The goal of the project is to advance environmental surveillance of wastewater to derive public health information in Switzerland and internationally.

If you are excited about this topic, and have a background (Ph.D.) in microbiology, molecular biology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, public health, or related field, you are invited to apply. Prior experience in molecular methods, including RNA / DNA extraction and qPCR / dPCR is necessary, as is education and training in bioinformatics. Laboratory experience in virology and sequencing (PacBio, Illumina, and / or Nanopore) is beneficial. We expect the candidate will interact with multiple academic, government, and non-government institutional collaborators, including leading international researchers in the field. 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.

Application evaluation will begin on 22 November 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Start date is intended for January 2026 but is flexible based on candidate's availability. Please include a letter of motivation (1 page max.) explaining why you think you fit this position well and a brief description of your prior research, a CV, and the names and contact information of two references.

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 and

For further information, please contact Dr Tim Julian.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.

Print

Eawag : Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology