PhD Position: Tracer-aided Ecohydrological Modelling in Snow-dominated Ecosystems

The Hydrology Group at the Institute of Environmental Engineering invites applications for a PhD position on isotope-driven ecohydrological modelling.

The partitioning of precipitation into green water (available to plants) and blue water (contributing to streamflow and groundwater recharge) is a challenging yet exciting question, especially in a changing hydrological world. The timescales at which water from rainfall and snowmelt become available to plants remain poorly understood. Environmental tracers, such as stable water isotopes, offer valuable insights into the pathways water takes—from precipitation to its ultimate fates as evapotranspiration, streamflow, or groundwater recharge.

This project is part of a 4-year EU Horizon initiative aimed at deciphering these complex transport pathways, thereby providing novel understanding of the ecohydrological cycle in snow-dominated ecosystems. These process-based insights can then be incorporated into large-scale earth system models.

The successful candidate will apply a numerical model using a rich database of hydrometric and environmental tracer data in several regions including Switzerland, Finland, and the Indian Himalayan region. This will improve our understanding of water partitioning and its associated flow paths in these diverse landscapes. The overall aim is to correctly partition blue and green water fluxes across different elevation gradients and validate these results using a combination of hydrometeorological and tracer data timeseries. Active involvement in field efforts (maintenance, data collection, establishment of new experiments) and laboratory analyses is expected. As part of your role, you will contribute novel mechanistic insights to a larger project within an international consortium, involving 18 institutions across Europe and India. You will report through project and group meetings, conference presentations, project deliverables, and publications, and actively contribute to outreach efforts.

Fixed starting date: February 2025

• MSc degree in Hydrology, Environmental Engineering or Sciences, Physics or related disciplines
• Experience in field work and in-depth understanding of hydrological processes
• Strong numerical skills and previous experience in modelling and programming (Python or R)
• Effective communication in English and acting responsibly
• Courageous, open, curious, treating others equitably and with respect

• A friendly, dynamic, and interdisciplinary environment at ETH (Prof. Peter Molnar) at the forefront of experimental and numerical hydrology
• A 100% fixed-term position for 4 years including a number of benefits offered by ETH (see here)
• Wide perspectives in a large international project with frequent exchange with colleagues at ETH and project partners abroad, attendance of international conferences, mentoring programs, training opportunities, and a broad international network for career development
• ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities in Environmental Sciences, a product of the cutting-edge research performed within the department
• At ETH, PhD completion is expected within 4 years

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A statement indicating your current situation & your motivation for the position (max. 1 page)
• Your CV (max. 3 pages including a list of publications & conference contributions)
• Contact details of two references (will be contacted for recommendation in the recruiting process)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Department and the Group can be found on our websites.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Marius Floriancic – floriancic@ifu.baug.ethz.ch and Dr. Harsh Beria - harsh.beria@usys.ethz.ch (no applications).

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.