In the research group ‘River Fish Ecology’, we study the ecology and evolution of fish in riverine ecosystems. We work mainly at the interface between ecology and evolution and realize again and again that these two traditionally separate disciplines are interdependent. More specifically, we are working on adaptation, fish migration and river fish biodiversity at the genetic, phenotypic and community level. The overall objective of our work is to understand the interactions and potential feedbacks between ecology and evolution.
We are looking for an intern to work in the project
Climate change and fish movement patterns, which investigates movement patterns and genetic population structure in the Rhine-Aare Drainage. Here, we try to understand how different populations of multiple fish species migrate within the drainage and how they utilize different habitats throughout the year. Additionally, the project aims to answer how restriction in movement may influence genetic population structure across the network.
Prerequisite for the application is the enrollment at a university or college, ideally degree program Biology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering etc. (bachelor or master's degree, but not yet completed).
Your responsibilities are support during fieldwork and laboratory analyses. The fieldwork includes participation in electrofishing, tagging of fish and additional monitoring of fish migration. Laboratory work will primarily focus on genetic analyses, but may also include stable isotope analyses, stomach content analyses and morphological analyses.
Time period: Optimal start date is March 2025. Start and end date of the internship is flexible and duration of internship is between 4 and 6 months.
The main work place is at Eawag’s Center for Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry (CEEB) in Kastanienbaum, Lucerne, which besides the Fish Ecology and Evolution Department hosts research group from the Department Surface Waters – Research & Management and offers a beautiful workplace at the shores of Lake Lucerne, a friendly international working climate and a strong cross-disciplinary research environment. 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.
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 January 6th 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. For further information, please contact Jakob Brodersen (
jakob.brodersen@eawag.ch; +41 58 765 22 04).
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.