The Grassland Sciences Group is a vibrant and international working group at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. We are seeking a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated doctoral student with a passion for science to join our team. Our research focuses on understanding the processes and systems of biosphere-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange and its drivers in forests and agroecosystems in response to management and climate changes.
This position is part of the project Above- and Below-Canopy COS Fluxes to Constrain and Partition Forest CO2 and ET Fluxes (ABACOS), funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The objective of this project is to quantify COS (carbonyl sulfide) fluxes at varied spatial and temporal scales in a temperate broadleaf forest in Switzerland (Lägeren), utilizing an unprecedented integration of co-located measurements. We will measure above- and below-canopy COS fluxes, CO2, and evapotranspiration (ET) fluxes, and quantify the contributions of soil, branch, and understory vegetation to ecosystem fluxes. Driver analyses using machine learning approaches will provide in-depth insights into the underlying processes. A COS-based estimate of ecosystem gross primary productivity (GPP) will be calculated and compared to other independent estimates. Therefore, ABACOS will offer a comprehensive assessment of different GPP constraints and contribute unique COS flux data to the global COS community from a temperate mixed forest, where such flux measurements are scarce. The ABACOS team will include a doctoral student (this position), a postdoc (years 3 and 4), and a technician (years 1 to 3).
The doctoral project will focus on COS flux measurements and their application in CO2 flux partitioning within a temperate mixed forest in Switzerland. Your responsibilities will include:
This full-time position is funded for four years. Salary and social benefits are in accordance with ETH Zurich rules.
Candidates should hold a completed Master's degree in atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, forest sciences, ecology, or a closely related field, with experience in micrometeorology, biogeochemistry, and/or plant ecophysiology. Strong statistical skills, fieldwork experience, and programming capabilities (e.g., in R or Python) are required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential, along with a valid driver’s license. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate good writing skills and the ability to work within an interdisciplinary environment.
You will be part of a dynamic and international environment at ETH Zurich, contributing to cutting-edge research and collaborating with experts in the field.
ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity and value diversity, nurturing a work and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website for more information on how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and thrive.
If you are interested, we invite you to apply online using the form below. Please include the following documents:
The earliest starting date is 1 August 2025. We will start interviewing candidates at the end of May 2025. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For further information about the Grassland Sciences Group, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann via email: Show e-mail.ch"> (note: applications should not be sent to this email).
ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities globally specializing in science and technology. Renowned for offering excellent education, groundbreaking fundamental research, and facilitating the transfer of knowledge into society, ETH Zurich hosts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. The university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence in an environment located in the heart of Europe while nurturing global connections. Together, we strive to develop solutions to meet the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland