PhD in Hydrological Modeling and Integrated Water Management at WSL and Eawag, Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and Eawag are inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position titled “Modeling of Water Storage in the Landscape for Demand-Oriented Multi-Purpose Use.” This interdisciplinary doctoral project sits at the crossroads of hydrology, climate adaptation, water resource management, and stakeholder engagement. Conducted in collaboration with Agroscope and affiliated with the University of Basel, the position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to one of the most urgent environmental challenges facing Europe and beyond: how to store and manage water more effectively under increasing climate variability.
This PhD in Hydrological Modeling and Integrated Water Management offers a rare chance to tackle one of the defining environmental issues of our time: how to balance flood protection, water supply, and biodiversity under climate change. With supervision from leading hydrologists, access to premier Swiss research institutions, and direct engagement with real-world stakeholders, the project provides both scientific depth and societal relevance. For aspiring hydrologists and environmental modelers, this position represents an outstanding foundation for a high-impact research career.
About the Research Institutions
WSL
WSL is a leading Swiss research institute within the ETH Domain, specializing in forests, landscapes, natural hazards, and ecosystem science.
Eawag
Eawag is internationally recognized for research on aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and sustainable water management.
Agroscope
Agroscope is the Swiss federal center for agricultural research, contributing expertise on land use and farming systems.
Together, these institutions provide a uniquely interdisciplinary environment for doctoral research.
Project Background: Integrated Water Management
The PhD is part of a joint initiative titled:
Integrated Water Management: Synergies between Flood Protection, Irrigation, and Biodiversity
The project seeks to generate scientific evidence for landscape-based water retention strategies that can:
- Reduce flood risks
- Improve water availability during droughts
- Support agricultural irrigation
- Enhance biodiversity
- Strengthen climate resilience
This systems-level perspective is highly relevant to current environmental policy and water governance.
Research Objectives
The successful candidate will develop and apply hydrological models to assess water retention potential across Switzerland and in selected river valleys in the Canton of Aargau.
Core objectives include:
- Quantifying opportunities for storing floodwater in landscapes.
- Evaluating nature-based solutions for water retention.
- Assessing how retained water can be used during drought periods.
- Integrating stakeholder needs into modeling scenarios.
- Supporting evidence-based decisions for flood and drought mitigation.
Key Responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will:
- Operate conceptual and physically based hydrological models.
- Analyze large geospatial and time-series datasets.
- Conduct national-scale assessments for Switzerland.
- Focus on case studies in major river valleys of Aargau.
- Engage with farmers and local decision-makers.
- Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Collaborate with scientists across WSL, Eawag, and Agroscope.
Your primary workplaces will be in Birmensdorf and Dübendorf, with regular visits to Reckenholz.
Academic Environment and Supervision
The PhD thesis will be formally affiliated with the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel.
Supervision will be provided by:
- Dr. Massimiliano Zappa, +41 44 739 2433
- Prof. Dr. Oliver Schilling phone +41 58 765 5931,
This co-supervision structure provides strong interdisciplinary mentoring and access to extensive research networks.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree from a technical university in one of the following fields:
- Environmental sciences
- Earth sciences
- Applied mathematics
- Hydrology
- Related disciplines
Essential Skills
- Statistical analysis of large datasets
- Geostatistics
- Time-series analysis
- Programming in R and/or Python
- Strong written and spoken English
- German language proficiency
- Valid driving licence
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with conceptual and physical hydrological models
- Scientific writing and publication experience
- Interest in stakeholder-based research
Why This PhD Opportunity Is Exceptional
Real-World Impact
The project addresses practical challenges involving flood protection, irrigation, and ecosystem conservation.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
You will work across hydrology, agriculture, and ecology.
Policy Relevance
The results can directly inform Swiss water management strategies.
Strong Institutional Support
Access to three leading Swiss research institutions and the University of Basel.
Career Development
Excellent preparation for academic, governmental, and consulting careers in hydrology and water resources.
Application Materials
Submit the following documents through the APPLY NOW:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae
- MSc and BSc diplomas
- Two reference contacts
- Review Starts May 30, 2026
Email applications will not be considered. APPLY NOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a fully funded PhD position?
Yes. The position is funded through a joint initiative involving WSL, Eawag, and Agroscope.
Which university awards the PhD degree?
The doctoral thesis will be affiliated with the University of Basel.
What is the main research topic?
The project focuses on modeling landscape water storage for flood protection, drought mitigation, irrigation, and biodiversity.
Is German language proficiency required?
Yes. German is essential for interacting with farmers and local stakeholders.
What programming languages are expected?
Candidates should be proficient in R and/or Python.
Is prior hydrological modeling experience necessary?
It is advantageous but not strictly mandatory if you have strong quantitative skills.
Where will I be based?
You will work primarily at WSL in Birmensdorf and Eawag in Dübendorf, with regular collaboration at Agroscope.
When does the position start?
The anticipated start is in summer or fall 2026.
When will applications be reviewed?
Evaluation begins on May 30, 2026.
Is there a fixed application deadline?
No specific deadline is listed; the position remains open until filled.
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