Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

Postdoctoral Researcher - Bioinformatics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Clinical Genomics team, led by Dr. André Kahles at the Biomedical Informatics Lab (BMI Lab), headed by Prof. Gunnar Rätsch at ETH Zurich, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in sequence bioinformatics, algorithms, and data structures. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary effort developing innovative diagnostic technologies based on long-read sequencing and real-time sequence analysis.

Project Background

Rapid and accurate identification of bacterial infections remains a major challenge in clinical practice, particularly in emergency settings. Delayed diagnosis can lead to suboptimal treatment and increased mortality in conditions such as sepsis. Current diagnostic methods often require 24-72 hours, contributing to the empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Within the RADIANT-Dx consortium, our interdisciplinary team is developing a portable diagnostic platform based on long-read sequencing to enable rapid transcriptomic profiling of host responses and pathogens directly from blood samples. The project integrates experimental and computational expertise to enable real-time sequence analysis and deliver clinically actionable results within hours.

Job Description

• Develop and implement novel computational methods for the analysis of long-read sequencing data, supporting the development of a next-generation diagnostic platform.
• Design algorithms and statistical models for real-time sequence analysis of host and pathogen transcriptomic data, focusing on robust and scalable approaches for clinical applications.
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of bioinformaticians, microbiologists, clinicians, and engineers across ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and the University Hospital Zurich.
• Contribute to the integration of bioinformatics methods into a translational research project aimed at enabling rapid and clinically actionable infectious disease diagnostics.
• Lead computational research projects, publish results in leading scientific journals, and advance methods in microbial genomics, long-read sequencing analysis, and applied computational biology.

Profile

The ideal candidate should possess a PhD degree in:

• Computational Biology / Bioinformatics
• Computer Science
• Statistics / Applied Mathematics
• Or a related quantitative field

Applicants must have a strong background in algorithms, data structures, and statistical modeling. Experience in sequence analysis, microbial genomics, and long-read sequencing data analysis is highly desirable. Familiarity with signal processing or applied machine learning is an advantage. We seek a candidate motivated to develop innovative computational methods and contribute to interdisciplinary research with potential clinical impact, ideally supported by a strong publication record.

Workplace

Join a dynamic environment at ETH Zurich, a leading institution that fosters professional development while actively contributing to positive societal change.

We Offer

• A job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which supports your professional growth.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, access to a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare options, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

At ETH Zurich, we encourage an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Our commitment to sustainability leads us to work consistently towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your application online. Please include the following documents:

• Research proposal (approximately 2-3 pages)
• CV
• Cover letter/personal statement, including the names of three referees

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, we create an atmosphere that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we work together to address today's global challenges while fostering connections worldwide.