Molecular Biologist
Location: Dübendorf & Zurich | Duration: ~3–6 months contract (with potential to extend) | Start: As soon as practical | Workload: 60 - 100% | Compensation: Market rate, depending on experience
At DNAir, we’re pioneering the future of scalable biodiversity monitoring by harnessing the power of airborne environmental DNA. As an early-stage ETH spin-off, we operate at the intersection of science, engineering, and environmental impact, collaborating with private companies and public agencies to enhance understanding and management of biodiversity risks with unprecedented resolution. We are looking for a proactive, self-motivated, mission-driven Molecular Biologist to join us on this exciting journey.
The Role
We are seeking a Molecular Biologist to spearhead the wet-lab development behind DNAir’s airborne environmental DNA workflow. In this position, you will conceptualize, design, and execute experiments that will determine how we capture, preserve, and analyze airborne DNA in real-world environmental conditions. Your work will directly influence the performance of our field-deployable sampling system and the robustness of our core molecular assays.
This is a hands-on, experimental role perfectly suited for someone who thrives on working independently, rapidly iterating, and contributing to foundational research and development in an early-stage environment. You will collaborate closely with the founding scientist and play an integral role in shaping lab setup, protocol development, and operational decisions that drive our growth.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement molecular workflows for environmental DNA samples, including DNA extraction, qPCR assays, metabarcoding, and potentially library preparation, ensuring high-quality quantitative output.
- Plan and conduct experiments to evaluate and optimize sample preparation, assay performance, and workflow robustness across varying conditions.
- Generate reliable experimental data and synthesize findings into clear, reproducible documentation to support scientific, operational, and customer development decision-making.
- Continuously enhance protocols and lab practices, identifying opportunities to improve sensitivity, reliability, and efficiency while adhering to good contamination-control practices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional team members (scientists, engineers, business developers) to connect lab results with hardware engineering, field deployments, data analysis, and product development.
- Assist with practical lab operations, including preparing and ordering supplies, coordinating equipment or facility access, and contributing to the smooth day-to-day functioning of the lab.
Requirements
Must-haves:
- MSc/PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field, or equivalent applied experience.
- A minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques (academic, industry, or applied R&D).
- Experience working with environmental, low-biomass, or otherwise challenging sample types, with proficiency in troubleshooting inhibition or low-yield issues.
- Strong contamination-control practices suitable for trace-DNA workflows.
- Excellent experimental design and execution skills, with the ability to independently plan, conduct, and document laboratory workflows.
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced, results-oriented, and ambiguous environments where protocols may evolve, and iteration is expected.
- Self-motivated, capable of managing small-scale projects with minimal supervision.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
- Possession of a work permit for Switzerland.
Nice-to-haves:
- Experience with quantitative assay optimization (e.g., qPCR panel development, assay validation).
- Experience preparing sequencing-ready material (amplicon or metabarcoding workflows).
- Familiarity with environmental DNA or other trace-DNA workflows.
- Experience handling large sample numbers and managing plate-based workflows.
- Exposure to data-intensive lab work, including managing plate layouts, metadata, or analytical outputs.
- Understanding of DNA preservation, sample stability, or field-to-lab workflows.
- Experience in early-stage, resource-constrained labs or hardware–wet lab integration.
- Basic data analysis skills (e.g., in R or Python) to aid in the interpretation of sequencing data or qPCR results.
- Additional language skills.
Why Join Us?
- Work at the forefront of eDNA and biodiversity monitoring — contribute to methodologies and technologies that are shaping the future of environmental impact assessment.
- Make a direct, positive impact on biodiversity, conservation, and climate resilience through science that translates into real-world decision-making.
- Gain access to state-of-the-art facilities — as an ETH spin-off, we operate in modern, well-equipped post-PCR labs and clean labs designed for trace-DNA workflows.
- Join a small, mission-aligned team where your contributions directly influence the science, the product, and the impact we create.
- Enjoy a flexible working arrangement (60–100%), with the potential for a longer-term collaboration.
- Thrive in a fast-paced, learning-rich environment where you can iterate quickly, take ownership of projects, and see your work deployed into the field.
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below.