• Investigate the molecular mechanisms driving Starship transposon mobility and cargo capture, using an approach suited to your specialty:
  • Cell biology track: develop and apply cellular and functional assays (e.g. confocal, single-cell sorting, membrane biology) to track Starship activity and passenger-gene mobilisation within living fungal cells
  • Biochemistry/structural biology track: express, purify and biochemically characterise Starship-encoded proteins (e.g. the Captain tyrosine recombinase and associated factors), and determine their structures to reveal how they recognise and mobilise cargo DNA
• Establish and optimise experimental model systems for studying Starship transposon activity in the lab
• Work closely with the lab’s genomics postdoc to connect population-level patterns with mechanistic findings
• Proactively manage the relevant experimental data and resources for your track
• Supervise and mentor PhD and Masters students
• Assist in the delivery of lectures or seminars for the Plant Disease Dynamics group
• Write and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Apply for funding to develop research independence

Profile

• A dynamic and exciting research environment in a newly established ETH group
• Access to state-of-the-art central facilities at ETH Zurich
• Core budgetary support for consumables and IT infrastructure
• Integration into the wider plant pathology research network spanning Prof. McDonald’s career across four continents (USA, Switzerland, Australia, UK)
• An inclusive and supportive team that values diversity
• Flexible working hours and partial home office if desired

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A motivational letter clearly stating which specialty you are applying under and your qualifications
• An academic C.V.
• A 500 word statement on your independent research interests
• Contact details for two references

Further information about Plant Disease Dynamics can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Megan McDonald at megan.mcdonald@usys.ethz.ch (no applications). Application review will being on October 31st and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.