Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
PhD Student in fish genetic population structures in river networks
The Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution (FishEc) located in Kastanienbaum (Lucerne) has a vacancy for a
The world is currently experiencing a dramatic loss of biodiversity on both global and regional levels, and especially in freshwaters. Due to a combination of high fish biodiversity and substantial modification of rivers, Switzerland may be a hotspot for biodiversity loss. To preserve existing biodiversity at all levels and allow for re-diversification, we need a more thorough description- and understanding of the external and internal processes that lead to the contemporary population structure patterns.
This PhD-project aims to describe and explain genetic population structure of multiple fish species in lowland freshwater ecosystems in the river network of the Rhine-Aare drainage. Additionally, the project will investigate brown trout population structure across a larger area, which also includes altitudinal gradients and partially migratory- and resident populations. Lastly, the project will investigate how environmental change and change in management influence change in population structure over time.
The project is partly funded by the Federal Office of the Environment as a part of the Program “Hydrological Engineering and Ecology”, which is a collaborative project between four different research institutes of the ETH domain (Eawag, WSL, LCH at EPFL & VAW at ETH). Additionally, the position holder will collaborate closely with a PhD Student and a Postdoc, studying movement of fish populations in the Rhine-Aare river network and with the Wyss Academy for Nature Project LANAT-3.
The successful candidate should have finished- or anticipate finishing an MSc or similar before the September 2025 in a relevant field of biology, ecology, or environmental science and a strong interest in evolutionary ecology, biodiversity and/or population structuring. Excellent communication and writing skills in English and ability to work in a team are essential. Communication skills in German and/or French is a benefit, but not a requirement for the position.
Dr Jakob Brodersen will be the main supervisor and Prof. Dr Ole Seehausen will be the official University of Bern supervisor. The PhD Student will be enrolled through University of Bern and associated with the doctoral programs at the Association of Universities in Western Switzerland (CUSO), where numerous PhD courses are available.
The main workplace is at Eawag’s Center for Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry (CEEB), which besides the Fish Ecology and Evolution Department hosts research group from the Department Surface Waters – Research & Management. Both departments within CEEB share a common interest in understanding the principles of the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and their susceptibility and adaptability to changing environments, and a common concern for sustainable management of ecosystems and biodiversity. Each department on its own aims at contributing cutting edge science to the development of theory in ecology, evolution and environmental sciences. Building on the synergies that emerge between these fields, the CEEB aspires to contribute to a future synthesis of evolutionary biology and ecosystem science.
Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience, and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.
Applications must be submitted by 23 June 2025 and should include an application letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a CV and the names and contact information for two references. The position should optimally start September 2025.
For further information, please contact Dr Jakob Brodersen.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
#J-18808-Ljbffr