PhD Position: Study Epigenomic: A fully funded PhD position is available at ETH Zurich to study the functional epigenomics of high-altitude adaptation in the alpine plant Arabis alpina. The project, supervised by Dr. Thanvi Srikant and Prof. Alex Widmer, will investigate genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic variation in natural populations of Arabis alpina from varying altitudes.
PhD Position: Study Epigenomic Diversity and Altitude Adaptation in Arabis Alpina
Designation: PhD Student
Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Plant Ecological Genetics, Epigenomics, Genomics, Transcriptomics, Plant Biology |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Supervisor | Dr. Thanvi Srikant & Prof. Alex Widmer |
| Start Date | August 1st, 2026 (preferable) or latest by October 1st, 2026 |
| Duration | Typically three to four years |
| Funding | Fully funded until completion of the PhD thesis |
| Application Deadline | January 31st, 2026 |
Research Area: Plant Ecological Genetics, with a focus on epigenomics, genomics, and transcriptomics of Arabis alpina in the context of high-altitude adaptation.
Location: The position is based at the Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Background in Plant Biology / General Biology
- Fluency with English
- Experience with bioinformatics (analysing genomics data) using R, bash/python
- Experience with molecular biology experiments
- Good organizational skills
- Enthusiasm to learn new skills and techniques
- Motivation for independent literature reading and generating testable hypotheses
- Diligence in documenting work
- Open-mindedness to learn from mistakes and aim for high scientific rigor and integrity
Description: The PhD student will contribute to the “Functional epigenomics of high-altitude adaptation in Arabis alpina” project. The student will characterize genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic variation in natural populations of Arabis alpina from varying altitudes, investigate associations between epigenome features and local environments, and assess the stability of epigenome features across different growth environments and generations. The PhD student will develop skills in field sampling, plant propagation, molecular biology experiments, sequencing library preparation, and bioinformatic analysis of sequencing datasets. Furthermore, the student will be encouraged to develop independence in project development, critical thinking, problem-solving, manuscript writing skills, and presentation skills.
How to Apply: Submit your application online through the ETH Zurich online application portal. The application should include:
- Curriculum Vitae, including names and contact information of 1-2 referees
- Copy of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates
- A short motivation letter (maximum 1 page) detailing any experiences relevant for this PhD position
For questions regarding the position, contact Dr. Thanvi Srikant by email at thanvi.srikant@biol.ethz.ch. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Last Date for Apply: January 31st, 2026
