Eawag the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain. Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to meet the dual goals of providing human water needs and maintaining aquatic ecosystem integrity.
The Department of Surface Waters Research and Management located in Kastanienbaum (Lucerne) has a vacancy for a PhD student on Turbulence Assessment in Lake Surface with LéXPLORE.
Dive into lake physics at one of Europe’s most advanced research platforms. Are you ready to unravel the hidden dynamics of lake surfaces? Join the recently funded SNSF TALES-χ project and work at the intersection of fundamental physics and environmental science on Lake Geneva on the LéXPLORE platform, one of the world’s most instrumented natural laboratories.
The challenge
While we understand seasonal lake stratification well, we still lack detailed observations of how turbulence evolves hour‑by‑hour in surface layers, particularly during critical periods like daytime re‑stratification. This project fills that gap using microstructure profilers and moored instruments to map turbulence patterns across depths and seasons. You will investigate how atmospheric forcing drives surface layer structure, analyze energy pathways and heat budgets, and develop improved methodologies for continuous monitoring of surface turbulence.
What you will gain
* Technical mastery: work with cutting‑edge profiling technology and advanced data analysis techniques
* Collaborative environment: join Prof. Damien Bouffard’s Aquatic Physics group at Eawag Kastanienbaum and collaborate with Dr. Tomy Doda at the University of Lausanne
* Open science impact: your research will feed into a FAIR‑compliant open‑access database used by scientists worldwide
Who we are looking for
Outstanding masters graduates in physics, physical oceanography, mechanical engineering, environmental science, applied mathematics or computer science who are excited by:
* Complex fluid dynamics and turbulence
* Bridging theory with high‑frequency field observations
* Collaborative mindset and teamwork abilities
Ready to advance our understanding of lake physics while building expertise in environmental measurement and analysis? We look forward to your application. Please submit an application letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a CV linked to your Git repository (if existing), and the names and contact information for two references. We will start interviewing potential candidates by February 1 2026 but the position will remain open until filled. The anticipated starting date is Summer 2026 or by mutual agreement.
At Eawag we have a working environment where people with different experiences, strengths and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. We promote genuine participation, exchange and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other life areas such as care work and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.
We can discuss specific requirements regarding the application process or the position. We will happily support you with possible flexible workplace working hours and job design. For further information about Eawag and its conditions of employment please visit our website.
For further information please contact Prof. Damien Bouffard or Dr. Tomy Doda. Applications are to be sent through this webpage; any other way of applying will not be considered. Applications from employment agencies or personnel consultants are not welcome and will not be considered.
We look forward to receiving your application.
#J-18808-Ljbffr