Postdoctoral Researcher in Ecohydraulics and Drift in Riverine Systems / Postdoctoral Researcheress 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 focused 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 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, the underlying dynamics—particularly its spatial and temporal variability—are often poorly quantified. This knowledge gap largely stems from limitations in current sampling approaches, which rely primarily on drift nets that are both labor-intensive and inherently limited in resolution.

To address these limitations, this project aims to realize the Riverine Organism Drift Imager (RODI), a unique 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, enabling drift studies at unprecedented temporal and spatial scales. By integrating 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 address cutting-edge scientific questions on macroinvertebrate and fish larval drift. Key research themes include drift dynamics under varying flow regimes, hydropower impacts, mitigation and restoration measures, 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 freshwater monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Deploying, operating, and maintaining RODI at selected field sites in Switzerland and internationally, with 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 comparison with traditional sampling methods.
• Contributing to the development, adaptation, 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, fast-paced research environment.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international research team.
• Availability and enthusiasm for traveling 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

The working environment is interdisciplinary and international, offering a unique opportunity to interact with researchers from various disciplines.

We Offer

• A 2-year postdoctoral position.
• The opportunity to work with the world-first imaging device tailored to study drift in riverine ecosystems.
• Access to an extensive network within the field of Ecohydraulics.
• Scientific independence, visibility, and career development opportunities.
• 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. ETH Zurich promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we continuously work toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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