Postdoctoral Researcher on Partitioning Forest CO2 and Water Vapour Fluxes / Postdoctoral Researcher on Partitioning Forest CO2 and Water Vapour Fluxes

Postdoc on Partitioning Forest CO₂ and Water Vapour Fluxes

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Grassland Sciences group at ETH Zurich is a vibrant and international working group at the Department of Environmental Systems Science. We are seeking a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a passion for science to join our team in Zurich. Our research focuses on understanding the biosphere-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange of forests and agroecosystems, particularly in relation to management and climate responses.

Project Background

This position is part of a collaborative project between ETH Zurich, WSL (Dr. Roman Zweifel), and CzechGlobe, titled Innovative Technologies Cross Scales to Disentangle Carbon Dioxide and Evapotranspiration Fluxes of Forests (INETFLUX). Our goal is to develop and validate innovative approaches to partition net ecosystem CO₂ fluxes and evapotranspiration into their individual components—gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration, transpiration, and evaporation. We aim to identify the environmental drivers that regulate these processes, utilizing machine learning techniques (XGBoost, SHAP analyses) alongside existing tree dendrometer and sap flow measurements, as well as stable isotopes in tree rings. The forest research sites are situated in Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Job Description

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Developing knowledge-guided machine learning approaches to partition existing forest flux data sets across Europe.
• Identifying flux drivers and their temporal development to better understand forest responses to climate and extreme events.
• Compiling tree dendrometer and sap flow data as additional constraints for flux partitioning.
• Managing one eddy-covariance flux station within the Swiss FluxNet.
• Presenting results and contributing to publications.
• Completing a 3-month stage at CzechGlobe.
• Assisting in knowledge exchange and capacity building within the project, including workshops, training visits, and co-supervision of doctoral students.

This position is funded for up to three years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.

Profile

• Applicants should possess a PhD or doctoral degree with a strong research background in micrometeorology, greenhouse gas exchange, or tree and ecosystem physiology.
• Relevant research experience may include observational studies, modeling, or statistical analyses.
• Proficiency in large data analyses and excellent command of the English language are essential.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Experience in knowledge exchange and student supervision is advantageous.

Workplace

You will be based in Zurich, an international city known for its high quality of life and vibrant cultural scene.

We Offer

• Engagement with impact: Join ETH Zurich, which actively supports your professional development while contributing to positive societal change.
• Access to numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a variety of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare facilities, and attractive pension benefits.

Valuing Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality and values diversity. We strive to create a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. For more information, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are dedicated to advancing towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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

For further details about the Grassland Sciences group, please explore our website. For questions regarding the position, please contact 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. Renowned for its exceptional education and cutting-edge fundamental research, we facilitate the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge global connections to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.