• Alkaline environments such as soda lakes and serpentinising vents are candidate sites for the emergence of life on Earth and potential habitats on ocean worlds like Enceladus
• Methanogenic archaea are the main biological source of the greenhouse gas methane 
• Some methanogenic archaea can thrive under alkaliphilic conditions where conventional energy conservation reaches its limits
• This Doctoral project seeks to investigate what limits the growth of alkaliphilic methanogens, how they conserve energy and acquire carbon at high pH, and which signatures distinguish their methane from abiotic methane
• The work combines anaerobic cultivation, physiology and biochemistry

Profile

• Opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research with the potential for high impact in the field of environmental microbiology
• Encouraging and collaborative research environment
• A Doctoral Position in a national, interdisciplinary network linking microbiology with geochemistry, planetary science and origin-of-life research
• Training in anaerobic microbiology, bioenergetics, and omics
• A fundamental research question with direct relevance to astrobiology and the methane cycle
• Support for career goals through conference travel and workshops
• Exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits

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:

• Cover letter
• CV including publication list
• Diploma and Transcript of Records
• Contact details of two references

Further information about the Environmental Microbiology Group in the Department of Environmental Systems Sciences can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Marie Schölmerich, marie.schoelmerich@usys.ethz.ch (no applications).

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

The deadline for applications is 1 December 2026.

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.