Project background: This position is part of the TerraChem Horizon Europe project: From soils to apex species: chemical pathways, effects and impacts on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services for better chemicals management. The overall goal of the project is to develop and apply a holistic approach integrating monitoring, environmental modelling, data management, analytical tools and user guidance to better understand exposure of terrestrial biota to anthropogenic chemicals and their damage on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services. The project involves collaboration with several European partner institutions. 

Project description: For this project, the postdoc will model chemical impacts on genetic diversity of terrestrial organisms. This project involves working with and integrating diverse data sources (e.g., chemical activity data, species occurrence data) and building data analysis and visualization methods to characterize genetic susceptibility to chemicals for terrestrial organisms and quantify genetic diversity loss. Different approaches can be used to develop these methods, including data integration to build new data linkages and risk values, ecosystem carrying capacity methods, and/or adverse outcome pathway (AOP)-based approaches. This position is purely computational, and is for an individual who enjoys programming or is interested in developing programming skills. 

As the Postdoctoral candidate for this project you should have a PhD in environmental sciences, toxicology, bioinformatics, or similar. Experience in programming (R or Python preferred) and managing big data would be a benefit. Knowhow in genetics would be an additional asset. Solid work ethic, mature teamwork attitude, and good English skills are essential.

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 www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment. 

Deadline for applications is 30 September 2023 or until the position is filled. Your application should include a cover letter explaining your research background and motivation to apply for this position, a CV with list of publications, copies of your academic qualifications and contact information for two references. The project runs until the end of 2026; the starting date for this position is as soon as possible upon agreement. 

For further information, please contact Dr Marissa Kosnik. 

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.