Scientific Assistant position ; mfd in Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance Microbiology

Eawag the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to meet direct human needs for water while maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

The Department of Surface Waters in Kastanienbaum (near Lucerne) has a vacancy for a Scientific Assistant position 80‑100% (m/f/d) in Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance Microbiology.

• Support a project team investigating the sources and impact of micropollutants and antibiotic‑resistant bacteria in sewer overflows.
• Help develop new approaches to evaluate these sources of contamination in rivers and assess possible interventions.
• Analyze antibiotic resistance in sewer overflows and in impacted rivers.
• Conduct sampling campaigns and perform laboratory analyses to measure the abundance of antibiotic resistance.

• Holding a MSc./BSc. (or equivalent) degree with training in environmental microbiology or a related field.
• Having experience in microbial molecular ecology techniques such as DNA extraction, quantitative PCR and preparing samples for microbial analysis or metagenomic sequencing.
• Enjoying field work around aquatic systems or urban environments.
• Being able to analyze and visualize data, contribute to writing scientific reports and present results to stakeholders and scientific audiences.
• Working well in a team, with good knowledge of German and English; a driving licence is helpful.

We offer a working environment where people with different experiences, strengths and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. We promote genuine participation, exchange and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work with other areas of life such as care work and continuously reduce barriers.

Applications must be submitted by 15 February 2026. The screening of applicants will begin with a cover letter that concisely states your interest in the project and your previous relevant experience, a curriculum vitae, academic qualifications (including course transcripts), and contact information of up to three references (please do not include letters with the application). To reduce bias, please do not include a photo.

The preferred starting date is 1 April 2026.

Please send your application through this webpage; any other way of applying will not be considered.

Applications from employment agencies or personnel consultants are not welcome and will not be considered.

For further information please contact Dr. Helmut Bürgmann.