Dr. Martin Sperfeld

Professor

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Biography

Martin Sperfeld is a staff professor focusing on microbiome research at ETH Zurich. His research explores the intricate interactions between phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms, essential to understanding the foundational dynamics of life on Earth. He is currently investigating the metabolic interplay between reef-associated phototrophs and heterotrophs using a tripartite model system consisting of symbiotic algae and associated bacteria from sea anemones. His background includes a strong foundation in classical molecular biological methods, with a significant focus on bacterial physiology and metabolism. Over the past few years, Martin has expanded his microbiological toolkit with 'omics analyses, emphasizing data mining and RNA sequencing. Martin's education includes a PhD in Microbiology from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, coupled with extensive research experience in various prestigious labs, including postdoctoral fellowships at the Weizmann Institute of Science and ETH Zurich.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoc

2023-11-01 — Present

Shinichi Sunagawa lab, ETH Zurich • Zurich, Switzerland

Investigating protists-bacteria interactions in reef ecosystems.

Postdoc

2018-05-01 — 2023-08-01

Einat Segev lab, Weizmann Institute of Science • Israel

Researching algal-bacterial metabolic exchanges and the consequences on bacterial lag phases.

Research Assistant

2013-01-01 — 2014-07-01

Gabriele Diekert lab, Friedrich Schiller University Jena • Germany

Developed a novel in-situ bioremediation approach.

Awards

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Excellence Award

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ePoster Award

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Senior Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Sir Charles Clore Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Dean Faculty Fellowship

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Landesgraduiertenstipendium

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Travel Grant

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.