Doctoral student in ecosystem water vapor exchange

Organisation/Company: ETH ZürichResearch Field: Agricultural sciences » Other, Environmental science » Earth science, Environmental science » Ecology, Environmental science » OtherResearcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)Country: SwitzerlandApplication Deadline: 23 Mar 2025 – 22:59 (UTC)Type of Contract: TemporaryJob Status: Full-timeHours Per Week: 41Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programmeIs the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? NoOffer DescriptionDoctoral student in ecosystem water vapor exchangeThe Grassland Sciences Group is a vibrant and international working group at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. We are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated doctoral student with a passion for science to join our team. Our research focuses on the process- and system-understanding of the biosphere-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange and its drivers in forests and agroecosystems, in response to management and climate.Project BackgroundThis position is part of the project Effect of climate and management on evapotranspiration in agricultural ecosystems (ECOVAP) funded by the ETH Grants programme. The aim of this project is to evaluate and partition evapotranspiration in Swiss agroecosystems along a management and climate gradient and to assess the influence of extreme events, such as droughts, on the ecosystem water vapor exchange. We will use eddy covariance to quantify the ecosystem water vapor exchange using measurements from the Swiss FluxNet as well as data on the plot scale from lysimeter and dendrometer measurements. Data analyses will be conducted using statistical and machine learning models including random forest models and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analyses. This project will improve our knowledge on the mechanisms of evapotranspiration in agroecosystems with an interdisciplinary approach (micrometeorology, ecophysiology, and agricultural sciences), relevant for sustainable agriculture in a changing climate.The doctoral project will focus on the effect of climate and management on evapotranspiration in grasslands and croplands. The doctoral student will work on:the partitioning and drivers of evapotranspiration from plot to ecosystem scalethe effect of drought on evapotranspiration and water use efficiencythe assessment of evapotranspiration under future climateThe main tasks of the doctoral student include:fieldwork and plant ecophysiological measurementseddy covariance data analyses and processingmaintenance of a grassland flux measurement station in SwitzerlandThe full-time position is funded for 4 years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.ProfileUpon starting, you must have a completed Master’s degree in atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, ecology, or a closely related science field with experiences in micrometeorology, biogeochemistry, and/or plant ecophysiology. You must have good statistical skills, experience with fieldwork, and programming experience (e.g. in R or Python). A good standard of written and spoken English as well as a driver’s license are mandatory. Good writing skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are expected.We OfferYour career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:Letter of motivationCVBachelor and Master certificates with transcriptsContact information of two refereesThe earliest starting date is 1 March 2025. We will start interviewing candidates beginning of February 2025. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.For further information about the Grassland Sciences group please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Iris Feigenwinter by email: (no applications).About ETH ZürichETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow. #J-18808-Ljbffr