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.
The Swiss National Assessment of Lake Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (
SNALBES) aims to strengthen the scientific basis for assessing and monitoring biodiversity in Swiss lakes. Its broader objectives include developing approaches that connect lake biodiversity research with conservation and management needs. Building on this initiative, we are offering a master’s project dedicated to a detailed investigation of chironomid communities.
This project will use chironomids collected during the upcoming SNALBES field campaign in 2027. It will complement the broader biodiversity assessment by developing a focused understanding of chironomid diversity and community composition across a selected set of lakes or sampling habitats.
The student will sort and prepare specimens, identify chironomids to a given taxonomic resolution, and compile a community dataset. Depending on the sampling design and accompanying environmental information, the thesis could investigate differences in chironomid assemblages among lakes or habitats and examine their relationships with environmental conditions. The final research question and sample selection will be developed jointly with the supervisory team. Participation in the 2027 field campaign may be possible, depending on the timing of the thesis work, and the interest of the student.
We are looking for a motivated master’s student with interests in freshwater ecology, taxonomic quantification, and biodiversity. Good spoken and written English are essential. You should enjoy detailed microscopy work, have a careful and systematic approach, and be motivated to develop specialist taxonomic identification skills. Previous experience with aquatic invertebrates or statistical analysis in R would be an advantage but is not required. The practical work will be based at Eawag, Kastanienbaum (near Luzern), where there are possibilities for subsidized accommodation in shared flats.
The preferred starting date is in the spring of 2027, but is flexible. Students in degree programs outside of Europe may be offered a position if appropriate permits for studies in Switzerland can be obtained.
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.
Applications can be submitted until the position is filled and will therefore be evaluated on a rolling basis. Applications should include a short letter (max. one page) describing your interests, your preferred project duration and timing, and a CV.
For further information, please contact
Dr Blake Matthews.
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.