PostDoc in Plankton Ecology (2 years)

The position is ideal for a junior postdoc and it is fully funded for two years (2025 and 2026) with the possibility (pending additional funds) to be extended for a third year (2027). The position is affiliated to the group of .

The postdoc will help support and coordinate the research group activities and exploit the rich and multidimensional plankton datasets we have collected using automated monitoring (). Data include 5-6 years of daily observations of plankton taxa abundances and their morphological traits based on underwater imaging, water chemistry and physics, and size-fractionated plankton samples for DNA extraction and genomics work.

This position allows a high level of independence , own ideas and contributions regarding scientific questions and themes covered, and the development of new research questions that complement the focus and expertise of the research group. We are interested in exploiting the rich information of our plankton datasets, that allows investigating the ecology of understudied plankton taxa (e.g. microzooplankton, mixotrophic phytoplankton), species interactions including facilitation, competition, grazing and host-parasite, modelling of morphological traits and taxa growth rates responses to environmental change, and eco-evolutionary dynamics. Modelling and forecasting community dynamics (including cyanobacterial blooms – ) is a priority area of our research group. The development of metagenomics for studying functional diversity and species interactions is a potential new research direction of interest.

Our research group  offers a diverse and multidisciplinary environment with local and international collaborations, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and expertise in community ecology of plankton, toxic cyanobacteria, data-analysis approaches, and machine learning, including access to high-performance computing resources. We embrace equity, diversity and inclusiveness by actively promoting equal opportunities for underrepresented minorities and supporting the compatibility of family and work. As persons and scientists, we value differences in ideas, background, belief, gender and opinion as the essence of creativity and as fundamentals to personal and professional growth.

We are seeking  a highly motivated, communicative, enthusiastic, and independent candidate with a passion for aquatic ecology. The ideal candidate is an open-minded, creative person who thinks outside the box and likes to question assumptions and norms. This position is hosted at Eawag in Dübendorf and the working language is English.

Desired Qualifications :

• A recent Ph.D. in ecology, microbiology, environmental science, or related fields
• Conceptual understanding of ecological theory, community ecology, and biodiversity science
• Quantitative research experience in data analysis and / or bioinformatics, ecological modelling / forecasting, or ecosystem science
• Experience working with common programming environments, such as R or Phyton
• Experience in statistical analysis and / or machine learning
• Proficiency in processing large datasets and utilising high-performance computing
• Experience in publishing peer-reviewed journal articles
• Experience in working in interdisciplinary collaborative teams
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications received by 30 November 2024 are guaranteed full consideration. Applications after this date will be considered until the position is filled. The application must include a cover letter explaining your motivation for the position (max 1 page) and your interests / ideas concerning the research that can be done in the hosting group (max 1 page), a CV, the contact information of at least 2 references, diplomas and transcripts. The start date will be defined by mutual agreement (early 2025) and the appointment is 24 months.