Job Description

PhD student position: Metabolic pathways of mineral balance and their microbial modulation

A PhD student position is open at the Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

Minerals such as calcium and phosphate are essential nutrients, yet, can cause also disease when present in excess. The intestine absorbs minerals and this process is highly regulated. We recently identified a novel disease where intestinal mineral absorption is enhanced possibly due to altered microbial metabolites.

The aims of the PhD project are 1) to use enteroids to screen bacterial metabolites that modify intestinal mineral handling, 2) identify pathways elicited by metabolites, 3) investigate the crosstalk of the intestine with other organs to control mineral metabolism, and 4) examine the impact of genetic variants identified in large genetics screens using cellular systems.

The project is located at the Institute of Physiology (group C.A. Wagner). The PhD is also embedded into the PhD program "Biomedicine" under the umbrella of the Life Science Graduate School Zurich.

We are seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented graduate candidate with a master degree in the biomedical field and strong interest in molecular and cell biology associated with an understanding of complex metabolic and cellular functions who is eager to work in a modern laboratory environment and to apply cutting-edge genomic, cell biology and proteome technologies together with techniques of transport physiology.

The successful candidate will hold a diploma or a master's degree in the field of molecular biology, biomedical sciences or a related subject. Proficiency in English, skills in applied data analysis and database usage as well as a good knowledge of cell biology are required.

We offer a highly stimulating and diverse research environment with state-of-the art infrastructure. The salary of the position is according to the regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Please direct your inquiries to C.A.Wagner, wagnerca@access.uzh.ch, including your CV, letters of reference or contact addresses of references, as well as transcripts of courses and degrees as a single pdf file.

Job Type: 100%

Pay: CHF45'000.00 - CHF50'000.00 per year

Work Location: In person