Join Eawag to Explore Tipping Points in Freshwater Ecosystems Using Satellite Data
Are you passionate about remote sensing, climate science, and aquatic ecosystems? Eawag – the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology – invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position in Remote Sensing of Lake Tipping Points. Based in Switzerland and part of the prestigious ETH Domain, Eawag is internationally known for research, innovation, and sustainable water management.
🔬 About the Postdoc Research Project
This postdoctoral fellowship is part of an innovative research initiative focused on ecosystem tipping points in lakes using advanced Earth observation and remote sensing techniques. You will work with high-resolution climate datasets from the European Space Agency’s Climate Change Initiative (ESA CCI) to investigate:
- Environmental indicators in freshwater systems
- Catchment-level variables affecting water quality
- Time-series archives of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs)
- Regional lake case studies with a focus on long-term changes
The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining expertise in remote sensing, limnology, and environmental modeling to understand changes in aquatic ecosystems.
🧠 Key Responsibilities
As a postdoctoral researcher, your core tasks will include:
- Designing and refining remote sensing algorithms for aquatic applications
- Analyzing satellite-based ECV datasets and deriving insights
- Assessing and quantifying uncertainty in remote sensing outputs
- Leading research on two lake-region case studies
- Collaborating with experts across multiple scientific disciplines
✅ Candidate Requirements
We’re looking for a driven and detail-oriented researcher with:
- A completed PhD in Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
- Solid programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages
- Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and uncertainty quantification
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Strong organizational and independent research capabilities
📅 Position Details
- Duration: 12 months (with potential for 12-month extension)
- Start Date: Flexible – as per mutual agreement
- Application Deadline: Open until filled (rolling reviews)
- Location: Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland
📄 Application Requirements
To apply, submit the following documents via Eawag’s online application portal:
- A motivation letter
- Your updated CV
- Two reference letters
Only online applications will be accepted.
💼 Why Work at Eawag?
At Eawag, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and collaborative research environment that values:
- Interdisciplinary teamwork and open innovation
- Diversity, equity, and a healthy work-life balance
- Opportunities to contribute to sustainable water science with real-world impact
📧 Contact for inquiries:
Dr. Daniel Odermatt – daniel.odermatt@eawag.ch
👉 Apply Now via Eawag’s Online Portal – Applications are reviewed continuously, so apply early!