3 PhD Positions, Eawag: Das Wasserforschungs-Institut des ETH-Bereichs, Switzerland (2017)

The Department of Surface Waters Research and Management (Surf) has vacancies for 3 PhD student positions each one in the field of Microbial Ecology, Inorganic Geochemistry and Organic Geochemistry

These PhD positions are part of the interdisciplinary 3-year research project “The regulation of Nitrogen Turnover in Lakes”, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Human activity has more than doubled the natural N cycle by fertilizer production and other sources. A large fraction of this N is transported to the oceans by rivers, where it can cause problematic eutrophication in coastal waters. Lakes are important sites of denitrification and N burial. In this project we will conduct a detailed interdisciplinary investigation of the processes and environmental parameters that control nitrogen removal in lakes.

We seek applications from individuals with a profound interest in Microbial Ecology /inorganic and organic Geochemistry and Limnology. You should hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, geology). Experience in Microbiology and Molecular Biology laboratory techniques and specifically metagenomics is an advantage, as is applicable knowledge of aquatic ecology and ecosystems. Experience in chemical/analytical laboratory techniques, good lab skills and aptitude for fieldwork are required. We expect good writing and conversation skills in English. Since you will be working in a collaborative project, good team skills are also required.

Further details:
http://www.researchgate.net