Megan McDonald
Just Landed
3 days ago
Postdoctoral Position in Fungal Cell Biology or Biochemistry/Structural Biology of Starship Transposons ETH Zurich in Switzerland
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Core budgetary support for consumables and IT infrastructure is mentioned. The postdoctoral position is at ETH Zurich; no stipend amount, tuition coverage, or full funding package is specified in the post.
Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
Country
Switzerland
University
ETH Zurich

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About this position
ETH Zurich’s newly established Plant Disease Dynamics group is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to study how Starship transposons shape the biology of plant pathogenic fungi. The project sits at the intersection of fungal cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, and fungal genomics, with a strong focus on horizontal gene transfer and the movement of virulence and cargo genes in fungi.
The position can be tailored to one of two tracks: a cell-biology track using functional and cellular assays (for example confocal microscopy, single-cell sorting, and membrane biology) to track transposon activity in living fungal cells; or a biochemistry/structural-biology track involving protein expression, purification, biochemical characterization, and structure determination of Starship-encoded proteins such as the Captain tyrosine recombinase and associated factors.
The work is embedded in a collaborative project with a separate genomics postdoc who is reconstructing the evolutionary history of Starship transposons in natural fungal populations. Together, the team aims to connect population-level patterns with experimentally validated mechanisms of transposon capture, excision, integration, and cargo mobilization.
Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field and have prior experience aligned with their chosen track. The post also values strong publication records, reproducibility-minded research practices, and an interest in mentoring students and contributing to teaching. The role includes supervision of PhD and Masters students, assistance with lectures or seminars, manuscript writing, and support for developing an independent research direction.
The position is based at ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland. The post mentions core budgetary support for consumables and IT infrastructure, access to central facilities, and a supportive research environment. Applications are reviewed from 2026-10-31 until a suitable candidate is found.
To apply, submit the required documents via the online portal only: a motivational letter specifying your track, an academic CV, a 500-word statement of independent research interests, and contact details for two references. Questions should be directed to Prof. Megan McDonald at [email protected].
Funding details
Core budgetary support for consumables and IT infrastructure is mentioned. The postdoctoral position is at ETH Zurich; no stipend amount, tuition coverage, or full funding package is specified in the post.
What's required
A PhD in fungal cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology or a related field is required. Applicants should have evidence of research excellence and ambition through peer-reviewed publications. Prior relevant experience is expected in either wet-lab fungal molecular genetics and cell biology techniques, or protein expression/purification and structural biology methods such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM or NMR. Commitment to reproducibility is desired, for example through careful record-keeping, code repositories or open protocols. A strong desire to contribute to teaching undergraduate and Masters research students and to develop an independent research area with mentorship from Prof. McDonald is also requested.
How to apply
Apply online through the ETH Zurich application portal only. Submit a motivational letter stating which specialty you are applying under and your qualifications, an academic CV, a 500-word statement on your independent research interests, and contact details for two references. Do not apply by email or postal mail.
More information can be found here
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