Biodiversity-inspired lake modeling - linking processes from cells to ecosystems.
Climate change is causing lake surface waters to warm, which due to increased thermal stratification, often also reduces nutrient input from deeper waters. Projecting how these concurrent changes in temperature and nutrients affect lake ecosystems requires a mechanistic understanding of the impacts of combined changes in temperature and resource availability on phytoplankton physiology, biodiversity and functioning. In this project we will upgrade mechanistic lake models to incorporate greater planktonic biodiversity to a) predict diversity and community composition responses to combined gradients of warming and changes in resource availability (light, nitrogen and phosphorus), and b) improve predictions of ecosystem properties and functioning by including the impacts of phytoplankton diversity and composition.
We are looking for a research assistant who has well-developed skills working with phytoplankton or other microbes. You will be involved with field work collecting wild isolates of phytoplankton but will also lead lab-based culturing and work-flow development. You will use established workflows to culture wild isolates and support the running of highly replicated, controlled lab experiments. You have proven experience with sterile technique, have basic molecular biology training, and can support the development of new lab-based assays. An interest in high content imaging (light, fluorescence and confocal microscopy) and automated image analysis is highly valued. The project is funded by the SNF Lead Agency and represents a collaboration with a large team of internal and international collaborators. Opportunities to travel for further training may be provided.
This project is an international collaboration between research groups at Eawag (Narwani and Bouffard), Wageningen University (Velthuis), NIOO-KNAW (Van de Waal) and the University of Rhode Island (Inomura). It is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation Lead Agency process.
You have completed a training as a lab technician or hold a BSc or MSc in biology or a related field. You are skilled with standard molecular biology methods, and are familiar with cell biology, phytoplankton and phytoplankton physiology, and have participated in running controlled laboratory experiments. You are well-organized, able to clearly document work, reliable and enjoy working in a team.
The position will be based at Eawag in Dübendorf, Zurich, in the Biodiversity & Ecosystem Functioning group. The latest starting date would be 1 Feb 2027, and the position is funded for 3 years.
At Eawag, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.
Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it—we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about Eawag as well as our conditions of employment.
First application evaluations will begin after 15 August 2026. Applications should includean application letter describing your relevant experiences and your interest in this position, a CV, and the names and contact information for three references.
For further information, please contact Dr Anita Narwani.
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.
Applications from employment agencies/personnel consultants are not welcome and will not be considered.