PhD in Plant Metabolism & Stable Isotope Biology – ETH Zürich

Key details

• Host institution: ETH Zürich
• Location: ETH Zürich, Rämistrasse 101, Zurich, Switzerland
• Application deadline: August 24, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

ETH Zürich invites applications for a fully funded doctoral position in plant metabolism and stable isotope biology, as part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project H-Shifts: “The ²H fingerprint of plant metabolites to trace carbon metabolic shifts”. This interdisciplinary project combines isotope biogeochemistry, plant physiology, and crop science to develop a novel tool for tracking metabolic fluxes in plants.

Project Background

Understanding how plant metabolism drives growth and yield remains a major challenge. Current approaches capture metabolite concentrations but do not resolve metabolic fluxes—the dynamic processes underlying plant performance. This project develops a novel approach based on natural-abundance hydrogen stable isotopes in plant carbohydrates (²H). These isotopic “fingerprints” encode information about key metabolic processes such as photosynthesis, carbon partitioning, and energy metabolism.

The doctoral project will contribute to three main objectives:

• Develop methods to separate metabolic isotope signals from environmental (hydrological) variation
• Quantify and attribute isotope signals to specific metabolic processes
• Apply the approach to investigate metabolic shifts associated with soybean domestication and crop breeding

Job Description

The doctoral project will involve both controlled-environment experiments and field studies:

• Design and conduct plant growth experiments under controlled isotopic conditions
• Sampling and preparation of plant tissues (sugars, starch, cellulose)
• Stable isotope measurements (e.g., IRMS and NMR-based methods)
• Data analysis and modelling of isotope signals to infer metabolic processes
• Contribution to field experiments on soybean diversity and crop traits
• Statistical analysis (e.g., in R or Python) and interpretation of complex datasets
• Presentation of results at international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals

Your Profile

• A Master’s degree in plant biology, biochemistry, environmental sciences, biogeochemistry, agronomy, ecology, or a related field
• Experience or awareness of isotope applications
• Experience with laboratory protocols
• Interest in plant metabolism and physiology
• Quantitative and statistical skills (e.g., R, Python)
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Good written and spoken English
• Experience and skills working with analytical chemistry are an advantage but not required

We Offer

• An interesting interdisciplinary and cross-institutional position with collaborative partners from Switzerland and France
• A fully funded four-year doctoral position with competitive salary (ETH Zurich standards)
• Training in cutting-edge isotope techniques and plant physiology
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and growth facilities
• Opportunities for scientific training, networking, and career development
• An inclusive and respectful working environment that values diversity

Application

We look forward to receiving your online application by 1 July 2026 with the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV
• Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates with complete transcripts
• Contact information of 1–2 referees

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Roland Werner ([email protected]) and Dr. Meisha Holloway-Phillips ([email protected]). Please note that applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Only applications submitted through the online application portal will be accepted. The desired starting date is no later than 1 October 2026.