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 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, focusing on the development and deployment of a new-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 depend 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 significance of drift is well established, many of its underlying dynamics—particularly its spatial and temporal variability—remain poorly quantified. This knowledge gap largely results from limitations in current sampling methods, which rely primarily on drift nets that are both labor-intensive and inherently restricted in resolution.

Addressing these limitations necessitates a transformative approach to observing and quantifying drift. There is a growing 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 tackle this gap, the project aims to realize the Riverine Organism Drift Imager (RODI), a unique technology developed by our team, 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 to apply the Riverine Organism Drift Imager (RODI) to tackle cutting-edge scientific questions regarding macroinvertebrate and fish larval drift. 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 include:

• Deploying, operating, and maintaining RODI at selected field sites in Switzerland and internationally, particularly in Finland.
• Developing and leading novel research ideas that utilize RODI for 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 and adaptation 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 in 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 capability to work both independently and collaboratively within an international research team.
• Availability and enthusiasm for 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

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education and cutting-edge fundamental research.

We Offer

• A 2-year postdoctoral position.
• A highly interdisciplinary and international research environment offering a unique opportunity to interact with researchers from various disciplines.
• The opportunity to work with the world-first imaging device designed 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 as per ETH Zurich regulations.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that values diversity and equality of opportunity. We strive to create a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value, and we are committed to advancing towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.