PhD Student 100% (m/w/d)

The Aquatic Ecology Department (Eco) has a vacancy for a

Biodiversity-inspired lake modeling - linking processes from cells to ecosystems.

Climate change is causing lake surface waters to warm, which due to increased thermal stratification, often also reduces nutrient input from deeper waters. Projecting how these concurrent changes in temperature and nutrients affect lake ecosystems requires a mechanistic understanding of the impacts of combined changes in temperature and resource availability on phytoplankton physiology, biodiversity and functioning. In this project we will upgrade mechanistic lake models to incorporate greater planktonic biodiversity to a) predict diversity and community composition responses to combined gradients of warming and changes in resource availability (light, nitrogen and phosphorus), and b) improve predictions of ecosystem properties and functioning by including the impacts of phytoplankton diversity and composition.

This project is an international collaboration between research groups at Eawag (Narwani and Bouffard), Wageningen University (Velthuis), NIOO-KNAW (Van de Waal) and the University of Rhode Island (Inomura). It is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation Lead Agency process.

We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral student who is interested in working at the interface between phytoplankton trait data and mechanistic lake modeling. The candidate’s work will largely focus on running controlled lab experiments, however there will also be a component of field work to sample Swiss lakes. Data collection will be used to inform, parameterize and validate lake model predictions. The project is funded by the SNF Lead Agency and represents a collaboration with a large team of internal and international collaborators (USA and the Netherlands). It will represent a team effort, and collaboration with lake ecosystem modelers will be key to the position.

You have completed a master’s degree in biology, biodiversity, aquatic ecology, evolutionary biology, limnology or oceanography, environmental science or other related fields. We highly value an understanding of lake ecosystems, phytoplankton physiology, and experience running controlled and highly replicated laboratory experiments. Training in molecular biology is valued. Experience with field work is an asset. You have developed computational skills and are comfortable in at least one coding language (R, Python etc.). You enjoy dynamic teamwork and are interested in working in an integrated fashion with other researchers.

The position will be based at Eawag in Dübendorf, Zurich, in the Biodiversity & Ecosystem Functioning group. The latest starting date would be 1 December 2026, and the position is fully funded for 4 years.

At Eawag, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.

Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it—we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about Eawag as well as our conditions of employment.

First application evaluations will begin after 15 August 2026. Applications should includean application letter describing relevant experience and your interest in this position, a CV including any publications, and the names and contact information for three references.

For further information, please contact Dr Anita Narwani.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.

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