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) has an open vacancy for

Laboratory Technician in Microbiology– EFZ (m/f/d) 80%

The Microbial Community Assembly (MCA) group in the Department of Environmental Microbiology (Umik) is looking for a technician focusing mainly on Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). The main CLSM applications include i) the analysis of diverse microbiological samples ranging from laboratory experiments, aquatic systems and engineered bioreactors, and ii) live imaging of eukaryotic organisms under toxicant pressure. In general, the main interest of the MCA group is to understand the spatial organization of microbial systems. 

Your tasks
  • Use and maintain the CLSM, train and assist others on the CLSM for a wide range of microbiological and eukaryotic samples 
  • Learn and establish new methods (e.g. advanced CLSM methods, anaerobic experiments, microbiological experiments)
  • Analyse experiments, compile results and evaluate data 
  • Support the organisation and operation of the laboratory and the broader Umik department 
  • Participate in the maintenance of laboratory infrastructure and data 
  • Support the oversight of students and participate in a practical course 
  • Support the training of apprentices

Necessary qualifications are a Swiss Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (EFZ) as Laboratory Technician specialising in biology or comparable, exceptional organisational skills, attentiveness to detail and quality control, strong interpersonal communication skills, and a growth-based mindset, especially when it comes to developing and refining new CLSM applications. The job requires high levels of independence, personal responsibility, flexibility, and assertiveness. Previous experience with microscopy (but not necessarily CLSM), including image processing and analysis, is ideal. An interest in microbiological and environmental systems is also desired. Due to the many different countries of origin of our employees, fluency in German and English are both necessary. 

You will be based within the MCA group at Eawag, which is located in Dübendorf within the Zürich metropolitan area. 

Evaluation of applications starts on 15 November 2024 and continues until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, but would not begin before 1 January 2025. Your application should include a letter of motivation, a brief CV, testimonials and the names and email addresses of two employment 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 www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment

For questions, please email Dr Dave Johnson (david.johnson@eawag.ch). 

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.
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology