Doctoral student in isotope-enabled evapotranspiration partitioning / Doctoral student in isotope-enabled evapotranspiration partitioning

Doctoral Student in Isotope-Enabled Evapotranspiration Partitioning

100%, Zurich, Fixed-Term

This position is a part of the project Isotope-enabled flux partitioning of evapotranspiration in five Swiss forest and grassland ecosystems (IsoFlux), hosted by the Grassland Sciences and WaldLab Ecohydrology groups. Our research focuses on understanding the processes and systems of biosphere-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange and its drivers in forests and grasslands in response to management and climate. Additionally, we explore ecohydrology and stable water isotope applications. The Grassland Sciences group boasts a vibrant and international working environment within the Department of Environmental Systems Science, while the WaldLab Ecohydrology group is part of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich. We are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated doctoral student with a passion for science to join our teams.

Project Background

The IsoFlux project, supported by an ETH Research Grant, investigates ecosystem water and energy fluxes, as well as ecosystem resilience against climatic extremes. By employing continuous, high-frequency water vapor isotope measurements (-²H, -¹-O) alongside eddy-covariance ET flux measurements, we aim to develop robust, assumption-free methods for partitioning evapotranspiration (ET) into evaporation (E) and transpiration (T). This initiative will be conducted across five Swiss FluxNet sites over an elevational gradient, undertaking the following tasks:

• Deployment of a mobile in-situ isotope observation system.
• Quantification of water sources for E and T using isotopes from precipitation, litter, and soil.
• Comparison of isotope- and flux-based ET partitioning.
• Identification of drivers affecting ET, E, and T across seasons and years through machine learning approaches.

Job Description

The doctoral project will focus on assessing ET partitioning of various forest and grassland sites across Switzerland. Your work will include:

• Deployment of a mobile in-situ isotope measurement system for capturing water vapor isotopes at different Swiss FluxNet sites.
• Measurement and data evaluation of eddy-covariance ET fluxes.
• Soil and plant sampling along with water extractions to identify potential water sources.
• Assessment of different methods for ET partitioning using eddy-covariance flux and stable water isotope data.
• Statistical analyses, including machine learning approaches.

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

Profile

Applicants should have completed:

• A Master’s degree in atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, forest sciences, hydrology, ecology, or a related scientific field, with experience in stable water isotopes, micrometeorology, biogeochemistry, and/or plant ecophysiology.
• Fieldwork experience, strong statistical skills, and programming knowledge (e.g., in R or Python).
• A high standard of written and spoken English and a valid driver’s license.
• Strong writing skills and the ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary environment.

Workplace

We promote a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and scientific discovery.

We Offer

• Your career with impact: Join ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also contributes to positive social change.
• Commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, access to a variety of sports through ASVZ, childcare facilities, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We aim to create a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. For more information about our commitment to fairness and equality, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are continuously working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we foster independent thinking and inspire excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while forging global connections, we work together to develop solutions for contemporary challenges.