Laboratory Technician

The Stocker Lab from ETH Zurich at located in the Institute of Environmental Engineering, is looking for a practically skilled and motivated laboratory technician (e.g. EFZ Biology or Chemical Laboratory Technician) to join our team from September 1st, 2025, until the end of April 2026, with possibilities of continuation afterwards.

The candidate will be working on our project dedicated to developing next-generation microbial technologies for the degradation of persistent pollutants like PFAS. Using environmental isolates and advanced microbial screening, we engineer bacterial consortia for use in industrial and environmental bioremediation. The open position is essential to ensure high-quality laboratory workflows and experimental continuity.

You will support our scientific staff in the cultivation, processing, and characterization of environmental bacteria. The role will involve both routine laboratory tasks and advanced analyses to support ongoing R&D efforts in microbial biodegradation.

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare sterile growth media, buffer solutions, and stock reagents
• Perform microbiological tasks (pipetting, sterile work, plating, microscopy, gram staining)
• Cultivate and maintain bacterial strains under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
• Conduct DNA extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis
• Support sequencing workflows (Sanger and Illumina)
• Assist with flow cytometry and analytical procedures (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS, UPLC - training will be provided)
• Document and manage sample inventories and experimental data
• Support our Biosafety officer in maintaining lab infrastructure, ordering supplies, and ensuring general lab cleanliness
• Collaborate with scientists and students to ensure smooth project execution

Required qualifications:

• Completed apprenticeship (EFZ) as a biology lab technician, chemical lab technician, or equivalent
• Experience with microbial culture work (plating, streaking, liquid cultures)
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology workflows (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR)
• Familiarity with laboratory safety and sterile techniques
• Good organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Strong team player with a proactive mindset
• English proficiency (C1 or higher)

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with analytical instruments (e.g., LC-MS/MS, flow cytometry, UPLC)
• Experience with anaerobic cultivation or enrichment cultures
• Familiarity with sequencing workflows (16S, Illumina, Sanger)
• Previous experience in environmental microbiology and bioremediation is a plus

A note: research indicates that women and individuals from marginalized groups tend to apply only when they meet all of the criteria. If you believe you’re qualified, but don’t necessarily check every box, please submit an application.

• A modern and well-equipped laboratory in a dynamic ETH Zurich environment
• Hands-on learning, and room for growth
• Involvement in cutting-edge environmental and microbiological R&D
• Flexible working conditions and opportunities for skill development

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

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Copies of your EFZ diploma and any relevant transcripts or certificates
• Contact information for professional references

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

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Estelle Clerc at Write an email (no applications).

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

For recruitment services the  GTC of ETH Zurich   apply.