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 Altermatt lab at the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies of University of Zurich and the Department of Aquatic Ecology of Eawag has a vacancy for a

Anthropogenic stressors, such as global climate change, pollution and loss of habitat, are having dire consequences for biodiversity and essential ecosystem services in many freshwater ecosystems. Effective understanding and management of freshwater systems is thus pivotal. Central to this are effective and scalable monitoring methods to assess biodiversity and associated ecosystem functions. As part of the National Research Program (NRP82), the project "Future-proofing freshwater ecosystems across Switzerland” will advance implementable environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches to future-proof and integrate environmental monitoring of aquatic ecosystems in Switzerland, as a necessary basis for policy making and to ensure their diversity, functionality and ecosystem services. This integration will be done by a highly transdisciplinary project team, engaging with stakeholders across Switzerland.

In this PhD project you will apply and advance eDNA metabarcoding sampling to be used in current monitoring programs, develop unified indicators for nationwide application, establish high-frequency sampling and develop ready-to-use toolboxes that enable a real-world change in freshwater monitoring in strong collaboration with stakeholders and the project team.

The position is to be filled with a motivated candidate, capable of taking a leading role in the research field of eDNA metabarcoding, specifically focusing on diversity assessments in freshwater ecosystems using high throughput sequencing (HTS) and contextualizing it in a modern aquatic ecology perspective.

This project builds on existing long-term collaboration with the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and links to national biomonitoring programs. You will conduct your own field and laboratory work to assess biodiversity and ecosystem state in surface and/or groundwater ecosystems. The PhD project involves close collaboration and exchange with stakeholders, national monitoring program leaders and the ability to shape future monitoring strategies.

To apply, you must have a Master’s degree in Molecular Ecology, Ecology, Microbiology or a closely related science field. Ideally, you have laboratory and bioinformatics experience in eDNA or HTS approaches, and knowledge on analysing biodiversity data. Experience in programming is an asset. A strong conceptual background in molecular ecology and a good understanding of ecological theory, data analysis and writing skills are expected. The working language in the group is English. Fluency in speaking and writing is required. In addition, speaking/understanding either German or French and having a valid driver’s licence is highly desirable. A strong interest in interaction with stakeholders is needed.

The project is led by Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt (UZH/Eawag) and Marie-Sophie Renevier (FOEN/BAFU). The successful applicant will be based and hired in the group of Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt (www.altermattlab.ch and https://www.ieu.uzh.ch/en/staff/member/altermatt_florian.html), with a shared base at Eawag and University of Zurich (Duebendorf/Zurich, Switzerland) and be part of the PhD program in Ecology of the Life Science Zurich Graduate School. The project involves extensive collaborations within the Altermatt lab, with various project partners at FOEN/BAFU and cantonal stakeholders, covering the main biodiversity monitoring programs in Switzerland. The position is fully-funded for four years, and is expected to start in the coming few months (ideal starting dates are October 2025 to January 2026).

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent person with a passion for science and implementation. We offer a stimulating and international research environment, excellent research facilities and social working place. Zurich hosts many other research groups in ecology and biodiversity research, and is among the world’s leading cities in terms of science, culture and quality of life. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. Women and members of ethnic and cultural groups underrepresented in ecology and biodiversity sciences are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications must be submitted by 13th August 2025. Your application should include a letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a complete CV, university diplomas, and the names and contact information for three references (all in one pdf file). For further questions, consult www.altermattlab.ch or contact Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt.

We look forward to receive your application through this webpage. Any other way of applying will not be considered. Please click on the button below, this will take you directly to the application form.