PhD position - Source tracking for bioaerosol

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Applications are invited for a PhD position in the Air Quality and Particle Technology group (Prof. Dr. J. Wang). The successful candidate will be hosted by the Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich and matriculate in ETH Zürich.

The research is related to development of experimental and modeling techniques to identify emission sources, simulate the airborne transport, analyze the genomics data, and study the fate and impact of bioaerosol. Bioaerosol, including airborne bacteria, viruses, fungi, and fragments of these organisms pose risks to human. Emerging hazardous components such as antibiotic resistance genes and metal resistance genes highlight the evolving risks due to bioaerosols. Metagenomics, bioinformatics, air quality simulation models, and source tracking tools are expected to contribute to the research goals. Our group is engaged in development of technologies for bioaerosol sampling and detection, and air quality models with high spatiotemporal resolution, providing a solid platform for the PhD candidate.

Job description

The student will be involved in tasks such as:

• To collect air samples
• To apply microbiological methods such as qPCR and sequencing to identify and quantity bioaerosols
• To employ data analysis and bioinformatics to extract bioaerosol characteristics
• To apply source tracking tools to identify the sources and quantify the contributions
• To employ air quality models to investigate the transport and fate of bioaerosol and assess the impact

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities. That’s what counts - not age, gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

Profile

• We are looking for suitable candidates with a master level degree in environmental engineering, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields with excellent grades
• Good modeling capability is of high value
• Good command of English is required

Workplace

We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• A complete academic transcript including undergraduate and graduate courses
• Copies of diploma/certificates
• Contact information of 2-3 potential referees
• A short description of research interests

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Position starting from Sep 2026 or upon agreement.

Please contact Prof. Wang, jing.wangifu.baug.ethz.ch (no applications) for further information and visit our website .

Apply online now

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.