The Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry (LCE) in the Environmental Engineering Institute, EPFL, is seeking a
Postdoc to investigate the inactivation of viruses by bacterial communities
Our group is interested in the fate of human viruses in the environment. Viruses enter natural water bodies via the discharge of wastewater, from where they can be transmitted to new hosts and cause a range of diseases from diarrhea to hepatitis and meningitis. The probability that a virus will encounter and infect a new host depends in part on its ability to persist in the environment. Yet, our understanding of the environmental fate of human viruses is far from complete. A significant blind spot is the role of microorganisms in reducing virus persistence. It is known that viruses are more rapidly inactivated in biologically active samples, though the underlying mechanisms are not understood.
The objective of this project is to characterize the role of enzymes produced by freshwater bacterial communities in virus inactivation. We will use chemostat experiments to cultivate microbial populations of different diversities, characterize the enzyme pool the produce, and investigate its ability to degrade viral capsids and cause inactivation. For this work, we will combine virus inactivation studies with metagenomics and -transcriptomics, as well as enzyme assays.
We are looking for candidates with a PhD in environmental sciences, microbiology, or a related field. Prior experience in -omics techniques is beneficial. The successful applicant will closely collaborate with two PhD students, as well as with collaborators from the Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment of the US Geological Survey in Wisconsin (USA). A good command of both spoken and written English is essential.
We offer a fully funded position in stimulating international research environment, good research infrastructures and resources, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to live and work along the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva.
The position will start in September 2023 or upon agreement.
For further information about this lab and project, consult lce.epfl.ch or contact Prof. Tamar Kohn.
To apply, please send the following documents as a single pdf file to karine.maritz@epfl.ch:
• a letter of motivation
• your CV including publication list
• university transcripts
• the name and contact information of at least two references