Climate change, pollution, continuing urbanization and digitalization are transforming how cities monitor and manage water quality, calling for innovative, solution-oriented approaches. Urban M2O is an EU-funded collaborative project with 20 partners across Europe developing monitoring and modeling solutions for data-driven, holistic urban water quality management. Zürich is one of UrbanM2O's three pilot case study cities. For our emerging contaminants monitoring and modeling activities, we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for water quality measurements, data analysis, and urban water-systems modeling.
To contribute to the European project
Urban M2O, the selected candidate will work closely with Eawag researchers and national and international collaborators. The position is suited to a motivated and independent researcher who enjoys both field and laboratory work and is a good communicator. We offer a vibrant and collaborative research environment with cutting-edge infrastructure, providing opportunities for personal growth and further development of scientific and professional skills. The position is based at Eawag in Dübendorf, near Zurich, and is offered for two years, with an expected start date in February 2027.
Responsibilities - Collaborating with project partners and stakeholders in interdisciplinary teams
- Coordination of the work package for benchmarking and comparison of monitoring and modeling results
- Collaboration during field monitoring campaign (ca. 6 months) with sensor companies, researchers, and municipalities
- Sample collection
- Chemical analysis (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: LC-MS/MS) for organic micropollutants
- Coordination of data analysis and interpretation, including application and interpretation of urban water systems models
- Contributing to data management, working with the project's data managers to ensure project data is appropriately handled and accessible to partners
- Knowledge dissemination: Publications and conferences to share research outcomes with the academic and professional communities
Your profile- Education: PhD in environmental engineering, environmental science, environmental chemistry, or a related field
- Technical expertise: Experience in urban water management and/or emerging urban contaminants
- Laboratory & analytical skills: Experience with chemical analysis using LC-MS/MS, possibly including the evaluation of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)
- Data analysis skills: Data analysis using programming languages such as Python
- Languages: Written and verbal proficiency in English
- Other: Valid driving license - the field sites are not reliably reachable by public transport
- Fieldwork: Motivation for field-based work; prior fieldwork experience is a plus but not required
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.
Deadline for applications is 16 October 2026 or until the position is filled. Applications will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. Please submit your application, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts of your study grades, your PhD thesis, and two references.
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 link below will take you directly to the application form.