About the job
Start date: 03.01.2027 (flexible)
Work location: Wagistrasse 18, Schlieren - in person
Apply by 01.12.2026
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Soil Remediation Engineer to lead the development and field application of microbial solutions for the remediation of PFAS in contaminated soils. You will design and run PFAS bioremediation projects from lab pilots to field-scale trials and full decontamination of contaminated sites and work closely with clients and regulators to deliver scalable bioremediation solutions.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the design and execution of lab and field-scale soil remediation projects, testing and optimizing CellX's bacterial solutions on contaminated soil matrices in the lab and on site (e.g., industrial sites, landfill soils, agricultural land)
- Develop experimental and remediation strategies adapted to variable and complex soil matrices and translate client and site requirements into experimental designs, remediation strategies, and technical deliverables.
- Assemble and adapt microbial consortia for biodegradation of PFAS in soil
- Apply targeted molecular and sequencing approaches (e.g., 16S rRNA, qPCR, WGS) to characterize soil microbial communities and track key degraders
- Set up, operate, and optimize ex-situ and in-situ bioremediation systems (e.g., biopiles, in situ bioremediation slurry-phase bioreactors)
- Monitor and control key process parameters (moisture, pH, oxygen, temperature, nutrient availability, contaminant levels)
- Plan and interpret analytics (e.g., LC-MS/MS) in collaboration with our analytics unit to track degradation performance
- Support permitting, reporting, and regulatory interactions related to contaminated site remediation
- Collaborate closely with internal teams (R&D, analytics) and external partners to advance and scale solutions
Your profile
Required qualifications
- MSc or PhD in Environmental Sciences, Soil Science, Microbiology, Bio-chemical Engineering, or a related field, with several years (5+) of industry experience in the remediation of xenobiotics in soil
- Strong, hands-on industry track record in soil bioremediation, ideally including project management of full scale remediation projects
- Proven experience in the biodegradation/biotransformation of xenobiotics (e.g., PFAS, pesticides, chlorinated solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons) in soil
- Practical experience with ex-situ and/or in-situ remediation technologies
- Experience in microbial cultivation (aerobic and/or anaerobic)
- Experience with project and people management
- Structured, reliable, and detail-oriented working style, comfortable working independently on-site and in the lab
- English proficiency (C1 level or higher)
Preferred qualifications
- Familiarity with environmental regulations and permitting processes for contaminated sites (Swiss/EU context a plus)
- Proficiency in German and/or French is a plus for interacting with clients and site stakeholders
We offer
- Cutting-edge scientific environment at the intersection of microbiology, soil science, and environmental biotechnology
- A leading role in scaling up microbial soil remediation from pilot to commercial deployment
- Opportunities for training and career development in microbial bioremediation
- Competitive salary and a stock option package
- Collaborative startup culture with fast decision-making, a high level of responsibility, and the opportunity to have a significant impact in developing the world's first commercial bacterial solutions for PFAS bioremediation
Application Process
We look forward to receiving your application through the form below including all of the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- Academic diplomas/certificates
- Contact information for 2 professional references