EAWAG Dübendorf, Eidg. Anstalt für Wasser-, Abwasserreinigung & Gewässerschutz
Dübendorf
11 hours ago
Postdoctoral Researcher in organic geochemistry (m/f/d)
- 28 April 2026
- 100%
- Internship
- Dübendorf
Job summary
Join Eawag, a leader in aquatic science and technology! This role offers a chance to impact environmental research.
Tasks
- Conduct groundbreaking research in organic geochemistry.
- Analyze lipid biomarkers to validate ecological data.
- Collaborate with international partners on innovative projects.
Skills
- PhD in geosciences or related fields required.
- Strong background in organic geochemistry needed.
- Experience with GC-MS is highly desirable.
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About the job
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.
Postdoctoral Researcher in organic geochemistry (m/f/d)
The Department of Surface Waters - Research and Management (SURF) has a vacancy for a
The position is for a fixed term of three years. We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an exciting research project funded by the European Research Council (ERC): MEMELAND (Molecular Ecology of Medieval European Landscapes). MEMELAND is a collaboration between Eawag; The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø (the coordinating institution); the University of Oxford; Paris Lodron University, Salzburg; and Charles University, Prague.
The Project
MEMELAND aims to transform our understanding of how medieval farming shaped modern landscapes and biodiversity. By integrating sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA), lipid biomarkers, robust chronologies, and archaeobotanical evidence from 50 paired lake sites across northern and central Europe, the project will generate an unprecedented long-term record of plants, animals, and associated pathogens. This knowledge will be translated into evidence-based recommendations for conservation, land management, and heritage-informed ecological restoration under climate change.
The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in the lipid biomarker component of the project. The work will focus on faecal biomarkers to provide independent evidence for grazing, manuring and even direct human fecal inputs and help validate animal sedaDNA records. In addition, species-specific plant biomarkers such as miliacin (millet) and cannabinol (Cannabis spp) will be used to detect crop cultivation (for food, medicine, fiber) and practices such as hemp retting.
Who we are looking for
Applicants should hold a doctorate in a relevant field of geosciences, environmental sciences, chemistry or a related field. Fluency in English is essential. A strong background in organic geochemistry and experience with GC-MS are highly desirable. The successful candidate will be able to manage and prioritise a diverse academic workload and adopt a collaborative approach that fosters effective working relationships with project partners. A demonstrated ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the collaborative group at internal and external meetings is required.
Applications must be submitted by 30 May 2026 and should include an application letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a CV and list of publications, and the names and contact information of two references. The start of the interviews will be as of mid-May 2026 at the earliest. The starting date for the position is anticipated to be in August or September 2026, or by mutual agreement. For further information, please contact Dr. Nathalie Dubois E-Mail schreiben).
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.
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.
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
