Doctoral Student in Isotope-Enabled Evapotranspiration Partitioning / Doctoral Student in Isotope-Enabled Evapotranspiration Partitioning

Doctoral Student in Isotope-Enabled Evapotranspiration Partitioning

Type: 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 Grassland Sciences and WaldLab Ecohydrology groups. Our research focuses on understanding the processes and systems driving biosphere-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange in forests and grasslands in response to management and climate, alongside ecohydrology and stable water isotope applications. The Grassland Sciences group is a vibrant 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 looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated doctoral student with a passion for science to join our teams.

Project Background

The position is supported by an ETH Research Grant as part of the IsoFlux project. This initiative investigates ecosystem water and energy fluxes, as well as ecosystem resilience against climate extremes. By utilizing continuous, high-frequency water vapor isotope measurements (²H, ¹-O) in combination with eddy-covariance ET fluxes, we aim to develop more robust and assumption-independent methods for partitioning ET into evaporation (E) and transpiration (T). Across five Swiss FluxNet sites, 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, identifying seasonal and yearly drivers of ET, E, and T using machine learning approaches

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

Job Description

The doctoral project will assess ET partitioning across various forest and grassland sites in Switzerland. Key responsibilities include:

• Deploying a mobile in-situ isotope measurement system at different Swiss FluxNet sites
• Measuring and evaluating eddy-covariance ET flux data
• Collecting soil and plant samples, as well as performing water extractions to identify potential water sources
• Assessing different ET partitioning methods using eddy-covariance flux and stable water isotope data
• Conducting statistical analyses, including machine learning approaches

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

Profile

The ideal candidate will 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
• Fieldwork experience, strong statistical skills, and programming proficiency (e.g., in R or Python)
• A good standard of written and spoken English and a valid driver's license

Excellent writing skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are essential.

Workplace

This position is based at the ETH Zurich campus, fostering a collaborative research atmosphere.

We Offer

• Your career with impact: Join ETH Zurich, which supports professional development while contributing to positive societal change.
• Commitment to sustainability: We strive to maintain a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Attractive benefits: Expect numerous perks, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a wide range of sports activities, childcare services, and appealing pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

At ETH Zurich, we promote an inclusive culture that values equality of opportunity and fosters a respectful working and learning environment. We are dedicated to nurturing diversity and ensuring that everyone's rights and dignity are upheld. Sustainability is a core value, and we consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV
• Bachelor's and Master's certificates with complete transcripts
• Contact information for two referees

The earliest starting date is 1 April 2026. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Marius Floriancic at floriancic@ifu.baug.ethz.ch or Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann at nina.buchmann@usys.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology, known for its excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and effective knowledge transfer to society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university is a place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.