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 achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

The Department of Aquatic Ecology (Eco) in Dübendorf (near Zürich) offers a 6-month paid internship

The position will be based in the group of Dr Anita Narwani, whose group focuses on under-standing the causes and consequences of aquatic biodiversity. Information about ongoing projects can be found online.

You will support members of the group in an extensive fieldwork campaign to sample hundreds of lakes in Switzerland. This will involve hiking to lakes in mountainous terrain, carrying a backpack with field gear (e.g. inflatable boats, sampling gear, water samples, etc.), and working safely with a team of researchers doing classic limnological and biodiversity sampling.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, curious and conscientious worker who enjoys field work that involves collections of aquatic organisms (e.g. plankton, macroinvertebrates, and macrophytes). Prerequisite for the application is the enrollment at a university or college, ideally a degree program in Biology or Environmental Sciences (BSc or MSc, but not yet completed). A good level of English is required, as is the ability to swim. A driving license is also helpful but not required.

If you are excited about the topic, and eligible for an internship, you are invited to apply. We offer a collaborative research environment in a dynamic and international and research environment. If necessary, accommodation is available in one of our furnished guest apartments.

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.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the closing date is 1 February 2026. Please include a short cover letter expressing your interest, and a CV. The preferred starting date is 1 April 2026. Due to Swiss visa regulations, we can only consider applications from non-EU citizens if the internship is an integral part of their studies


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.