Fully Funded PhD in Biodiversity-Inspired Lake Modeling at Eawag, Switzerland
Eawag is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD Student position in Biodiversity-Inspired Lake Modeling at its Aquatic Ecology Department. The four-year doctoral project will investigate how climate-driven lake warming and changes in nutrient availability influence phytoplankton physiology, biodiversity, community composition, and ecosystem functioning. The position is based in Dübendorf, Zurich, Switzerland, within Eawag’s Biodiversity & Ecosystem Functioning group. The position is 100% funded for four years, with the latest possible starting date of 1 December 2026.
PhD Project Overview
Climate change is transforming freshwater ecosystems. As lakes become warmer, stronger thermal stratification can reduce the movement of nutrients from deeper waters toward surface communities. At the same time, changes in light, nitrogen, and phosphorus availability can alter the growth and composition of phytoplankton.
Understanding these interacting effects is essential for predicting how lake ecosystems will respond to future environmental change. This PhD project will develop biodiversity-informed mechanistic lake models that connect processes occurring at the cellular and organismal level with ecosystem-scale dynamics. The research will focus on two major objectives:
- Predicting how phytoplankton diversity and community composition respond to warming and changing resource availability
- Improving predictions of ecosystem properties and functioning by incorporating phytoplankton diversity and composition into lake models
Research Focus
The project sits at the intersection of several fields, including:
- Aquatic ecology
- Phytoplankton biology
- Biodiversity science
- Limnology
- Evolutionary ecology
- Climate change ecology
- Ecosystem modeling
- Computational biology
The research will connect experimental measurements of phytoplankton traits with mathematical and mechanistic models of lake ecosystems. This approach is particularly valuable because ecosystem responses to climate change cannot always be predicted accurately without considering the diversity and functional characteristics of the organisms involved.
What Will the PhD Student Do?
The successful candidate will primarily conduct controlled laboratory experiments designed to understand how phytoplankton respond to combinations of temperature and resource availability. The project will also include fieldwork involving sampling of Swiss lakes. Experimental and field data will be used to:
- Inform lake ecosystem models
- Parameterize model components
- Test and validate model predictions
- Characterize phytoplankton traits
- Examine biodiversity responses
- Improve predictions of ecosystem functioning
The candidate will work closely with lake ecosystem modelers and other researchers across the international project consortium.
International Research Collaboration
This PhD is part of an international collaboration involving research groups at:
- Eawag, Switzerland
- Wageningen University, Netherlands
- NIOO-KNAW, Netherlands
- University of Rhode Island, USA
The project is funded through the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) Lead Agency process. The international structure of the project provides the doctoral researcher with opportunities to collaborate across institutions and scientific disciplines.
Candidate Profile
Eawag is seeking a highly motivated researcher with an interest in the relationship between phytoplankton traits, biodiversity, and mechanistic ecosystem modeling.
Required Academic Background
Applicants should have completed a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as:
- Biology
- Biodiversity
- Aquatic Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Limnology
- Oceanography
- Environmental Science
- A related discipline
Preferred Research Experience
Experience or knowledge in the following areas will be particularly valuable:
- Lake ecosystems
- Phytoplankton physiology
- Controlled laboratory experiments
- Highly replicated experimental designs
- Molecular biology
- Aquatic fieldwork
- Ecological data analysis
- Computational modeling
Applicants should also be comfortable using at least one programming language, such as R or Python.
Skills That Will Strengthen Your Application
The position is especially suited to candidates who can combine experimental and quantitative approaches. A strong applicant may demonstrate:
- Experience designing laboratory experiments
- Understanding of phytoplankton biology
- Quantitative data analysis skills
- Programming experience in R, Python, or a similar language
- Interest in mechanistic ecological modeling
- Ability to work with interdisciplinary research teams
- Strong scientific communication skills
Previous field experience is an advantage but is not presented as an absolute requirement.
Employment Conditions
The position offers:
- 100% employment
- Four-year funding
- Location: Dübendorf, Zurich, Switzerland
- Latest starting date: 1 December 2026
- Fully funded doctoral research
The position is based within Eawag’s Biodiversity & Ecosystem Functioning group.
About Eawag
Eawag is the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology and forms part of the ETH Domain, which brings together Switzerland’s federal institutes of technology and research institutions. Eawag conducts research, education, and expert consulting focused on aquatic environments. Its work addresses two closely connected goals:
- Meeting society’s needs for clean and sustainable water
- Protecting the ecological integrity and functioning of aquatic ecosystems
This makes Eawag an especially strong research environment for scientists interested in freshwater ecology, environmental change, biodiversity, and water-related challenges.
Inclusive and Flexible Working Environment
Eawag emphasizes an inclusive working environment in which researchers with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can contribute to scientific research. The institute also supports the compatibility of professional and personal responsibilities and offers flexible approaches to workplace arrangements, working hours, and job design where possible. Applicants who have specific requirements related to the application process or position are encouraged to discuss them with Eawag.
Application Requirements
Applications should include:
- Application letter explaining your relevant experience and interest in the PhD project
- Curriculum Vitae, including publications if applicable
- Names and contact information for three references
- Applications must be submitted through APPLY NOW system. Applications sent through other channels will not be considered.
- Application Timeline First application evaluations will begin after 15 August 2026.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the Eawag recruitment portal: APPLY NOW
Contact
For questions about the research project, contact: Dr Anita Narwani
Eawag – Aquatic Ecology Department
Email: anita.narwani@eawag.ch
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this PhD fully funded?
Yes. The position is fully funded for four years and is offered at 100% employment.
Where is the PhD position located?
The position is based at Eawag in Dübendorf, Zurich, Switzerland, within the Biodiversity & Ecosystem Functioning group.
When does the PhD start?
The latest starting date is 1 December 2026. An earlier starting date may be possible.
What will the PhD research focus on?
The project focuses on how warming and changing resource availability affect phytoplankton physiology, biodiversity, community composition, and lake ecosystem functioning.
Will the PhD involve laboratory experiments?
Yes. Controlled and highly replicated laboratory experiments will form a major part of the research.
Is fieldwork required?
Yes. The project includes fieldwork to collect samples from Swiss lakes.
Do I need programming experience?
Computational skills are expected. Applicants should be comfortable with at least one programming language, such as R or Python.
What academic background is required?
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in biology, biodiversity, aquatic ecology, evolutionary biology, limnology, oceanography, environmental science, or a related field.
Is experience with phytoplankton required?
The position places high value on knowledge of phytoplankton physiology and lake ecosystems. Relevant research experience will strengthen an application.
Is molecular biology experience necessary?
Molecular biology training is considered valuable, but the announcement does not identify it as an absolute requirement.
Is previous fieldwork experience required?
Fieldwork experience is an asset, particularly because the project includes sampling Swiss lakes.
How many references are required?
Applicants should provide the names and contact information of three references.
What is the application deadline?
The announcement states that first application evaluations will begin after 15 August 2026. It does not specify a final closing date, so early application is recommended.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. The project is an international collaboration involving researchers in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States, and the announcement welcomes applicants with relevant qualifications.
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