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 part of the project Isotope-enabled flux partitioning of evapotranspiration in five Swiss forest and grassland ecosystems (IsoFlux), hosted by the groups Grassland Sciences and WaldLab Ecohydrology. Our research focuses on understanding biosphere-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange and its drivers in forests and grasslands, in response to management and climate, as well as ecohydrology and stable water isotope applications. The Grassland Sciences group is a vibrant and international team 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 seeking a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated doctoral student with a passion for science to join our teams.

Project Background

The IsoFlux project investigates ecosystem water and energy fluxes and ecosystem resilience against climate extremes. By utilizing continuous, high-frequency water vapor isotope measurements (−²H, −¹-O) alongside eddy-covariance ET fluxes, we aim to develop more robust, less assumption-dependent methods to partition ET into evaporation (E) and transpiration (T). Across five Swiss FluxNet sites spanning an elevational gradient, IsoFlux will:

• Deploy a mobile in-situ isotope observation system.
• Quantify the water sources sustaining E and T using isotopes in precipitation, litter, and soil.
• Compare isotope- and flux-based ET partitioning and identify drivers of ET, E, and T across seasons and years using machine learning.

Both groups will provide scientific and technical support for the project.

Job Description

The doctoral project focuses on evaluating ET partitioning across different forest and grassland sites in Switzerland. Responsibilities include:

• Deploying a mobile in-situ isotope measurement system to measure water vapor isotopes at various Swiss FluxNet sites.
• Measuring and evaluating eddy-covariance ET fluxes.
• Conducting soil and plant sampling, as well as water extractions to identify potential water sources.
• Assessing different methods for ET partitioning using eddy-covariance flux and stable water isotope data.
• Performing statistical analyses, including machine learning approaches.

This full-time position is funded for four years, with salary and social benefits according to ETH Zurich regulations.

Profile

Applicants must have completed:

• A Master's degree in atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, forest sciences, hydrology, ecology, or a closely related field, with experience in stable water isotopes, micrometeorology, biogeochemistry, and/or plant ecophysiology.
• Experience with fieldwork, good statistical skills, and programming experience (e.g., in R or Python). A strong command of written and spoken English, along with a driver's license, is mandatory. Excellent writing skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are expected.

Workplace

The research will be conducted in a collaborative environment at ETH Zurich, allowing for substantial contribution to the understanding of ecological processes.

We Offer

• Your career with impact: Join ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development while contributing to positive societal change.
• Commitment to sustainability and climate-neutral initiatives.
• A range of benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, extensive sports offerings through ASVZ, childcare support, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment that respects and upholds the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Learn more about our commitment to a fair and open environment on our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value; we actively work 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. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of knowledge into society, our community of over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and connected globally, we work together to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.