Megan McDonald

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] .