Postdoctoral Position (2 years) - Aquatic Biogeochemistry and Remote Sensing

Your assignments

• Lead and coordinate a seasonal lake sampling campaign, including water-column sampling and environmental profiling, as well as deploying and recovering sediment traps to quantify organic matter export


• Design and perform stable isotope tracer incubations to quantify nitrification, associated N₂O production, and related nitrogen transformation processes


• Conduct and interpret laboratory analyses of nutrients, dissolved gases, and organic matter, working with established analytical facilities and technical staff


• Integrate field and experimental measurements with satellite observations to investigate links between surface productivity, organic matter export, and N₂O production


• Collaborate on data synthesis and biogeochemical modelling

Your profile

• A PhD in biogeochemistry, environmental sciences, limnology, aquatic microbial ecology, or a related field, completed by the starting date


• Experience in aquatic fieldwork and laboratory research, ideally involving nutrient cycling, microbial process measurements, or greenhouse gases


• Experience with satellite remote sensing and environmental data analysis is an asset, particularly applications to inland waters or aquatic productivity


• The ability to organize and conduct regular field campaigns, work independently, and collaborate effectively with scientific and technical colleagues


• A valid driver’s license is desirable, as travel to the field site requires a car


• A boating license and experience operating small boats for lake sampling are an asset


• Strong English communication and scientific writing skills; German language skills are valued but not required

We welcome applicants with complementary strengths across these areas. Candidates should bring a strong foundation in aquatic biogeochemistry and a clear interest in connecting field and laboratory measurements with remote sensing. Applicants are not expected to have expertise in all the areas listed above.

We offer you

We offer an engaging postdoctoral position in a collaborative, international research environment at the University of Basel, with close collaborative links to Eawag. You will have access to established lake sampling infrastructure, advanced analytical and stable isotope facilities, and computational resources, supported by scientific and technical expertise across the collaborating institutions.

The position offers the opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary research profile spanning aquatic nitrogen cycling, greenhouse gas production, and satellite observations. You will take a leading role in field and experimental research, develop integration with remote sensing, and contribute to understanding how climate change affects lake biogeochemistry.

The position is offered at 80-100% for two years, with a planned starting date in January 2027. Salary and social benefits are provided according to University of Basel regulations.