PhD student on Turbulence Assessment in Lake Surface with LéXPLORE

The Department of Surface Waters – Research and Management located in Kastanienbaum (Lucerne) has a vacancy for a

Dive into lake physics at one of Europe's most advanced research platforms. Are you ready to unravel the hidden dynamics of lake surfaces? Join the recently funded SNSF TALES-χ project and work at the intersection of fundamental physics and environmental science on Lake Geneva on the LéXPLORE platform —one of the world's most instrumented natural laboratories.

The challenge

While we understand seasonal lake stratification well, we still lack detailed observations of how turbulence evolves hour-by-hour in surface layers—particularly during critical periods like daytime re-stratification. This project fills that gap using microstructure profilers and moored instruments to map turbulence patterns across depths and seasons. You will investigate how atmospheric forcing drives surface layer structure, analyze energy pathways and heat budgets, and develop improved methodologies for continuous monitoring of surface turbulence.

What you will gain

• Technical mastery: Work with cutting-edge profiling technology and advanced data analysis techniques
• Collaborative environment: Join Prof. Damien Bouffard's Aquatic Physics group at Eawag Kastanienbaum and collaborate with Dr. Tomy Doda at the University of Lausanne
• Open science impact: Your research will feed into a FAIR-compliant open-access database used by scientists worldwide

Who we are looking for

Outstanding master's graduates in physics, physical oceanography, mechanical engineering, environmental science, applied mathematics, or computer science who are excited by:

• Complex fluid dynamics and turbulence
• Bridging theory with high-frequency field observations
• Collaborative mindset and teamwork abilities

Ready to advance our understanding of lake physics while building expertise in environmental measurement and analysis? We look forward to your application.Please submit an application letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a CV, linked to your git repository (if existing), and the names and contact information for two references. We will start interviewing potential candidates by February 1, 2026 but the position will remain open until filled. The anticipated starting date is Summer 2026 or by mutual agreement.

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 about Eawag and its conditions of employment, please visit www.eawag.ch and https://www.eawag.ch/en/about-us/working/employment/

For further information please contact Prof. Damien Bouffard. E-Mail schreiben or Dr. Tomy Doda E-Mail schreiben

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, 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.