Postdoctoral Researcher in Partitioning Forest CO2 and Water Vapour Fluxes / Postdoctoral Researcheress in 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 within the Department of Environmental Systems Science. We are seeking a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated postdoc with a passion for science to join our team in Zurich. Our research focuses on understanding the process and systems involved in the biosphere-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange of forests and agroecosystems, particularly regarding their responses to management practices and climate changes.

Project Background

This position is part of a joint project between ETH Zurich, WSL (Dr. Roman Zweifel), and CzechGlobe on Innovative Technologies Cross Scales to Disentangle Carbon Dioxide and Evapotranspiration Fluxes of Forests (INETFLUX). Our goal is to develop and validate novel approaches to partition net ecosystem CO₂ fluxes and evapotranspiration into their individual components: gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration, alongside transpiration and evaporation. Additionally, we will identify the environmental drivers that regulate these processes. The project incorporates machine learning techniques (XGBoost, SHAP analyses) for flux partitioning, supplemented by existing tree dendrometer measurements, sap flow data, and stable isotopes from tree rings. Our forest sites are located in Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Job Description

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Developing knowledge-guided machine learning approaches to partition existing forest flux datasets across Europe.
• Identifying flux drivers and their temporal development to 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 through workshops, training visits, and co-supervision of doctoral students.

The position is funded for up to three years, and salary and social benefits will be provided according to ETH Zurich policies.

Profile

• Applicants must hold a PhD or doctoral degree with a strong proven research background in micrometeorology, greenhouse gas exchange, or tree and/or ecosystem physiology.
• Relevant research experience may include observations, modeling, or statistical analyses.
• Proficiency in large data analyses and excellent command of the English language are mandatory.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Experience in knowledge exchange and student supervision is a plus.

Workplace

The position will be based at our Zurich campus, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for scientific innovation and collaboration.

We Offer

• A meaningful career path: Join ETH Zurich, an institution dedicated not only to your professional development but also to making a positive impact in society.
• Numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, a variety of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich values an inclusive culture and promotes equal opportunity. We respect and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are upheld. Explore our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we create a fair and open environment that fosters growth and excellence. Sustainability is also at our core; we are committed to advancing toward a climate-neutral future.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below, which should include the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV with publication list
• Transcripts from Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD/doctoral studies
• Contact information of two referees

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The anticipated starting date is 1 July 2026 (or as mutually agreed). For any inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann at nina.buchmann@usys.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities, renowned for its excellence in science and technology. Our institution is committed to exceptional education, pioneering research, and the practical application of new knowledge for societal benefit. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, ETH Zurich fosters an environment that encourages independent thinking and excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to devise solutions addressing today’s and tomorrow's challenges.