MEMELAND aims to transform our understanding of how medieval farming shaped modern landscapes and biodiversity. By integrating sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA), lipid biomarkers, robust chronologies, and archaeobotanical evidence from 50 paired lake sites across northern and central Europe, the project will generate an unprecedented long-term record of plants, animals, and associated pathogens. This knowledge will be translated into evidence-based recommendations for conservation, land management, and heritage-informed ecological restoration under climate change.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in the lipid biomarker component of the project. The work will focus on faecal biomarkers to provide independent evidence for grazing, manuring and even direct human fecal inputs and help validate animal sedaDNA records. In addition, species-specific plant biomarkers such as miliacin (millet) and cannabinol (Cannabis spp) will be used to detect crop cultivation (for food, medicine, fiber) and practices such as hemp retting.

Applicants should hold a doctorate in a relevant field of geosciences, environmental sciences, chemistry or a related field. Fluency in English is essential. A strong background in organic geochemistry and experience with GC-MS are highly desirable. The successful candidate will be able to manage and prioritise a diverse academic workload and adopt a collaborative approach that fosters effective working relationships with project partners. A demonstrated ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the collaborative group at internal and external meetings is required.

Applications must be submitted by 30 May 2026 and should include an application letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a CV and list of publications, and the names and contact information of two references. The start of the interviews will be as of mid-May 2026 at the earliest. The starting date for the position is anticipated to be in August or September 2026, or by mutual agreement. For further information, please contact Dr. Nathalie Dubois (nathalie.dubois@eawag.ch).

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.

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