PhD position to characterize genetic susceptibility to chemicals in environmentally-relevant species (m/w/d) 100%

The Department of Environmental Toxicology (Utox) has an opening for a

Project background: Chemical pollution threatens biodiversity of ecosystems, yet we know little about different species’ genetic susceptibility to chemicals. Elucidating genetic susceptibility to chemicals for diverse species is essential to protect genetic variability in ecosystems and determine an ecosystem’s resilience and adaptation potential following chemical exposure. However, lab and field-based methods to assess genetic susceptibility are impossible for all chemicals and species.Therefore, computational methods are necessary to help characterize and predict genetic susceptibility to chemicals for different species in an ecosystem.

Project description: For this project, the PhD candidate will use data integration, analysis, and visualization to characterize and predict genetic susceptibility to chemicals in different species. As a starting point, this project will focus on pesticide-induced neurotoxicity for zebrafish and C. elegans. The PhD candidate will develop a data integration protocol to link existing data on chemical activity, genetic variability, and neurotoxicity endpoints. From these linkages, quantitative risk values will be developed to characterize the likelihood that pesticide-induced neurotoxicity varies in genetically diverse populations, and these risk values and data linkages will be used to analyze similarities and differences in genetic susceptibility across species and pesticide modes of action. This position is purely computational, and is for an individual who enjoys programming or is interested in further developing programming skills.

As the PhD candidate for this project you should have an MSc in environmental sciences, toxicology, bioinformatics, or similar. Experience in programming (R or Python preferred), data analysis, and/or data visualization would be a benefit. Knowledge in genetics would be an additional asset. A strong 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 3 May 2024 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. 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.

Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology