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).
We are recruiting for
4 Tenure Track Group Leader Positions on Climate Change Adaptation (m/f/d) 80 – 100%
Water is at the center of the climate crisis. Climate change leads to strong and rapid changes in the aquatic system, negatively affecting our environment, infrastructure, and health. Sustainable strategies for adapting to the deleterious impacts of climate change are currently lacking. These impacts interact with one another, underscoring the need to address them collectively. Moreover, a global perspective on climate change adaptation is essential for realizing benefits at scale.
With this cluster hire, we significantly enhance our capacity for research and impact on adaptation to climate change in aquatic systems. We welcome applications relevant to three identified priority topics. We also encourage applications from researchers whose work is relevant for climate change adaptation in aquatic systems but falls outside of these three topics. We see opportunities for researchers from different disciplines spanning from natural to engineering and social sciences.
Topic 1: Biodiversity
You are a researcher who works on biodiversity in the context of climate change adaptation. Aquatic systems, renowned for their rich biodiversity, are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They are experiencing rapid changes due to rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and – at higher altitudes – melting glaciers. At the same time, climate change can lead to changes in water quality, exposing organisms to combinations of chemical or microbial pollution and physical stressors that contribute to biodiversity decline. Given its unique geographical and environmental characteristics, Switzerland offers opportunities for addressing challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss in mountainous regions, rivers and lakes.
Topic 2: Public health
You are a researcher working at the interface of climate change adaptation, water resources, and human health. Climate change significantly affects our water resources, which are central to human health. One important example is regions of the Global South where vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted and often face heightened risks of chemically polluted water, malnutrition, and waterborne diseases. Extreme weather events exacerbate health disparities, requiring climate-resilient solutions for safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, and engineering solutions for resilient infrastructure. The development of effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including engaging in international cooperation and support, are crucial for empowering communities and strengthening public health systems globally.
Topic 3: Water resources and reuse
You are a researcher who works towards developing and improving circular economy approaches in the water sector in urban and non-urban settings. Sustainable water resource management, the prevention of chemical and microbial pollution, and environmental restoration are key strategies for ensuring good water quality and sufficient water quantity, and working towards adaptation to climate change. This includes both technical and nature-based solutions for surface and groundwater. Reusing water and reclaiming other resources associated with the water cycle are needed to advance circular economy concepts. This is valid for urban, non-urban and agricultural areas, which all play a vital role in sustainable development and resource management.
Topic 4: Other aspects of climate change adaption in aquatic systems
We also encourage you to apply if your research focus falls outside the specified profiles but is relevant for climate change adaptation in aquatic systems.
Across all profiles, we are interested in research efforts incorporating inter- and transdisciplinary approaches including those that benefit from, or synergize with, the diverse and impactful ongoing research of the institute. In addition, we are interested in the application of emerging technologies and methods such as machine learning.
You bring the following qualifications and motivations:
- You have a PhD degree and a track record in high quality research in a field related to the profile; we welcome degrees from natural, social, as well as engineering sciences.
- You are interested in collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams at the institutional level and within the ETH Domain, as well as with other national and international partners.
- You are keen on engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to connect your research with real-world impact.
This position will allow you to establish a group with high international visibility and to collaborate with others to advance your research agenda and create impact. By taking advantage of Eawag’s strong interdisciplinary environment and its world-class infrastructure and facilities, you will acquire third party funding, build up a research group with PhD students and postdocs and contribute to Eawag’s mandate in educational outreach and expert consulting.
We offer an exciting and stimulating research environment with excellent opportunities for collaborative research. We are a team of about 500 scientists and support professionals from over 40 nationalities who collaborate on pressing topics in aquatic science and technology. Eawag is based at two sites in Switzerland, in Dübendorf (15 minutes from Zurich) and Kastanienbaum (20 minutes from Lucerne).
With this cluster hire, we aim to further enhance diversity across all relevant dimensions within our institute. We promote cultural and gender equality and are committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) among students, staff, and faculty (see our statement on equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion). Accordingly, we actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to currently underrepresented groups, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively support and engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities. Candidates from one or more underrepresented groups who wish to self-identify in the application letter are encouraged to do so. The compatibility of career and other life domains is also of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our working conditions, please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted by 31 May 2024. Please include the following:
- A brief application letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position.
- A statement outlining your vision for research and impact (max. 2 pages).
- A CV (without photo) including funding history (if any), a list of previous teaching and mentoring experience, and a list of publications highlighting up to three of the most important publications.
The recruitment process consists of two rounds. In the first round we will evaluate the documents listed above and invite a subset of applicants for a short videoconference meeting. Following these videoconference meetings, we will select a shortlist of candidates for the second round. Candidates invited to the second round will be requested to provide additional statements on education, leadership, and DEI, along with the contact information of three references. These candidates will be invited in small groups to visit Eawag in person. Following these visits, we will extend offers for group leader positions.
Please use the link below the topic (“biodiversity”, “public health”, “water resources and reuse” or “other”) that you consider the best fit for your application.
For further information, please contact recruiting@eawag.ch