Two internships in Fish Ecology and Evolution

In the research group ‘River Fish Ecology’, we study the ecology and evolution of fish in riverine ecosystems. We work mainly at the interface between ecology and evolution and realize again and again that these two traditionally separate disciplines are interdependent. More specifically, we are working on adaptation, fish migration and river fish biodiversity at the genetic, phenotypic and community level. The overall objective of our work is to understand the interactions and potential feedbacks between ecology and evolution. 

We are looking for two interns to work on research projects on migratory fish. We are working with lake-ward migration of trout across all larger Swiss lakes and their tributaries and on anadromous Arctic charr from several fjords and their tributaries in Southern Greenland. Lastly, we have recently started up movement and migration studies on larger fish in the Rhine/Aare River network. 

Prerequisite for the application is the enrollment at a university or college, ideally degree program Biology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering etc. (bachelor or master's degree, but not yet completed). 

Your responsibilities are support during fieldwork and laboratory analyses. The fieldwork may include participation in installment of acoustic receivers in rivers, electrofishing, tagging of fish and additional monitoring of fish migration. Laboratory work may include stables isotope analyses, stomach content analyses, morphological analyses and molecular analyses. 

Time period: between September and January 2025. Start and end date of the internship is flexible and duration of internship is between 4 and 6 months. 

The main work place is at Eawag’s Center for Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry (CEEB) in Kastanienbaum, Lucerne, which besides the Fish Ecology and Evolution Department hosts research group from the Department Surface Waters – Research & Management and offers a beautiful workplace at the shores of Lake Lucerne, a friendly international working climate and a strong cross-disciplinary research environment. Both departments within CEEB share a common interest in understanding the principles of the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and their susceptibility and adaptability to changing environments, and a common concern for sustainable management of ecosystems and biodiversity. 

Eawag offersa unique research and working environment and is committed to promoting equal opportunities for women and men, independent of ethnicity, and to support the compatibility of family and work. Applications from women and underrepresented ethnic groups are especially welcome. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment. 

Applications must be submitted by June 16th 2024 and should include an application letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a CV and the names and contact information for two references. For further information, please contact Jakob Brodersen (E-Mail schreiben; +41 58 765 22 04).

We look forward to receiving your application through this webpage, any other way of applying will not be considered. Please click on the link below, this will take you directly to the application form.