Postdoctoral Researcher in Ecohydraulics and Drift in Riverine Systems

Postdoctoral Position in "Ecohydraulics and Drift in Riverine Systems"

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Chair of Groundwater and Hydromechanics at the Institute for Environmental Engineering (IfU), ETH Zürich, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with experience in planning and conducting fieldwork to join an interdisciplinary research project on riverine ecosystems. This position is funded by a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project led by Dr. Luiz G. M. Silva, within the group of Prof. Roman Stocker, and focuses on the development and deployment of a next-generation underwater imaging device to transform drift studies in riverine ecosystems. The project involves collaboration with Associate Professor Jenni Raitoharju from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

Keywords: ecohydraulics, Riverine Organism Drift Imager, artificial intelligence, imaging, aquatic biota

Project Background

Many small riverine organisms rely on flow-mediated processes to complete their life cycles. One such process is drift, a fundamental mechanism of downstream dispersal for aquatic invertebrates and fish larvae. Although the importance of drift is well established, many of its underlying dynamics—particularly its spatial and temporal variability—remain poorly quantified. This knowledge gap largely stems from current sampling limitations, which primarily rely on drift nets that are labour-intensive and inherently limited in resolution.

Addressing these limitations calls for a significant transformation in how drift is observed and quantified. There is a pressing need for non-invasive, cost-effective, and broadly deployable technologies capable of providing long-term (weeks to years), highly resolved (hourly-scale) data on species presence, abundance, and movement patterns in rivers and streams. To meet this challenge, this project aims to realize the Riverine Organism Drift Imager (RODI)—an innovative technology developed by our group—as a fully operational, camera-based underwater imaging system. RODI is designed to continuously detect, classify, and quantify drifting organisms in situ, thereby enabling drift studies at unprecedented temporal and spatial scales. By bridging engineering, imaging, and aquatic ecology, the project seeks to transform how riverine drift is studied, monitored, and applied in both research and practice.

Job Description

The primary focus of this postdoctoral position is the application of the Riverine Organism Drift Imager (RODI) to explore cutting-edge scientific questions related to macroinvertebrate and fish larval drift. Research themes include drift dynamics under varying flow regimes, hydropower impacts, mitigation measures, restoration initiatives, and drift-related foraging strategies.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with and further develop a world-first underwater imaging device, applying it to innovate drift studies and advanced freshwater monitoring.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deploying, operating, and maintaining RODI at selected field sites in Switzerland and internationally (with a particular focus on Finland).
• Developing and leading novel research ideas that apply RODI to fundamental and applied drift studies.
• Testing, benchmarking, and validating RODI as a drift sampling tool through direct comparisons with traditional sampling methods.
• Contributing to the development and application of machine-learning models tailored to RODI data, in collaboration with project partners.
• Designing and implementing an innovative image-based database to manage and curate data from live organisms sampled with RODI.
• Actively contributing to iterative improvements of RODI, including both hardware and software developments, based on field and analytical feedback.
• Authoring and co-authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications and presenting results at international conferences.

Profile

• PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Ecohydraulics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and conducting fieldwork in freshwater ecosystems.
• Strong skills in data management, visualization, and quantitative analysis.
• Experience with statistical modeling; familiarity with or interest in machine learning approaches is an advantage but not a requirement.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• A genuine interest in interdisciplinary research and the ability to thrive in a dynamic research environment.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international research team.
• Willingness to travel for field deployments nationally and internationally.

The successful candidate should be available to start the position as soon as possible (target start date: May 2026 or earlier).

Workplace

We offer a dynamic and collaborative research environment located at ETH Zurich, which is known for fostering innovation and excellence in research and education.

What We Offer

• A 2-year postdoctoral position.
• A highly interdisciplinary and international research environment providing a unique opportunity to collaborate with researchers from diverse fields.
• The opportunity to work with a world-first imaging device tailored for studying drift in riverine ecosystems.
• Access to an extensive network within the field of Ecohydraulics.
• Scientific independence, visibility, and opportunities for career development.
• Access to world-class ML/AI specialists working at the intersection of freshwater science.
• Competitive remuneration and employment conditions in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

If you think you would be a good fit for this position, we encourage you to Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

We are looking forward to receiving your application by February 28, 2026. The review of applications will begin as they are received. We aim for the successful candidate to start on May 1, 2026, or earlier. A start date as soon as possible can also be discussed.

About ETH Zürich

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 direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while forging connections globally, we work together to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.