Doctoral Student in Forest Management Effects on Water Quality / Doctoral Studentess in Forest Management Effects on Water Quality

Doctoral Student in Forest Management Effects on Water Quality

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The student will be hosted between the WaldLab Ecohydrology and Silviculture groups. The WaldLab Ecohydrology group is part of the Chair of Hydrology and River System Science at the ETH Zurich Institute of Environmental Engineering, specializing in water chemistry assessments in forested ecosystems. The Silviculture group belongs to the Chair of Forest Resources Management at the ETH Zurich Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, focusing on silviculture and forest management. We seek a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated doctoral student with a passion for interdisciplinary science to join our team.

Project Background

This position is part of the project "Forest Management and Drinking Water Security under Climate Change," supported by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment. The project investigates the critical link between forest ecosystem management and health and the quality of drinking water across Switzerland. As climate change intensifies disturbances like droughts, windthrows, and pest outbreaks, it is vital to understand how forest structure and management influence water quality outcomes. Across national scales and experimental sites, the project integrates country-wide data analysis, water quality monitoring of spring networks, and detailed mechanistic insights into subsurface flow routing and transit times. The project closely collaborates with forest and drinking water stakeholders and decision-making authorities; thus, a solid understanding of Central European and Swiss forest ecosystems, including species composition, development stages, and silvicultural practices, is essential for this role. The project will be carried out in a collaborative environment between the two research groups, providing extensive technical support and interdisciplinary expertise in ecohydrology and forest management.

Job Description

The doctoral project focuses on assessing the resilience of Swiss drinking water resources to forest changes and management interventions. As the successful candidate, your work will include:

• National-Scale Data Integration: Analyzing gradients in forest cover and structure (e.g., tree species mixtures, density) in relation to long-term drinking water parameters, accounting for hydrogeology and land-use history.
• Field Monitoring & Sampling: Conducting water quality assessments across Switzerland's spring networks to identify how management practices influence resilience during event-driven disturbances.
• Mechanistic Investigations: Monitoring intensively instrumented experimental sites to determine how forest health and structure alter subsurface flow routing and contamination pulses.
• Synthesis & Strategy Development: Developing and evaluating suitable management strategies to reduce drinking water risks.
• Stakeholder Communication: Performing statistical analyses and modeling to translate findings into actionable management recommendations for water abstractions.

The full-time position is funded for four years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.

Profile

To qualify, candidates must have completed a Master’s degree in hydrology, environmental sciences, forest sciences, ecology, or a closely related field, with experience in water chemistry, silviculture, experimental fieldwork, and large-scale data analysis. Strong statistical skills and programming experience (e.g., in R or Python) are required. Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory, while proficiency in German and other Swiss national languages is considered an asset. Good writing skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are expected.

Workplace

The position will be located at ETH Zurich, a world-leading research institute known for its innovative and collaborative work environment.

We Offer

• An inspiring, international, and interdisciplinary work environment in a world-class research institute.
• Opportunities to collaborate with practitioners and federal/cantonal offices.
• The chance to present research at national and international conferences.
• A supportive environment for developing your scientific career.
• Participation in and shaping a dynamic research team with supportive colleagues, fostering collaboration and mutual learning.
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

Your job will have a meaningful impact: You will join ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development while actively contributing to positive societal change. You can expect numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture, equality of opportunity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all staff and students. We are committed to ensuring a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core principle, and we consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information about the WaldLab Ecohydrology and the Silviculture groups, please visit the respective websites. Questions regarding the positions should be directed to Dr. Marius Floriancic and Dr. Mathieu Lévesque by email: floriancic@ifu.baug.ethz.ch and mathieu.levesque@usys.ethz.ch.

The envisioned starting date is 1 July 2026. We will start interviewing candidates in May 2026.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, our university is a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for today's global challenges.