Postdoctoral Position - Aquatic Biogeochemistry and Remote Sensing

University of Basel; Basel; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aquatic and Isotope Biogeochemistry Group at the University of Basel invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position focused on lake biogeochemistry, stable isotopes, and remote sensing.

You will lead seasonal sampling at Lake Baldegg, design isotope tracer incubations, analyze nutrients and gases, and integrate field data with satellite observations. Collaboration with Eawag and modelling work are included.

Qualifications

• A PhD in biogeochemistry, environmental sciences, limnology, aquatic microbial ecology, or related field, completed by start date.
• Experience in aquatic fieldwork and laboratory research, including nutrient cycling or greenhouse gas measurements.
• Experience with satellite remote sensing and environmental data analysis is an asset.
• Ability to organize and conduct field campaigns, work independently, and collaborate with colleagues.
• A valid driver's license is desirable for field travel; boating license is an asset.
• Strong English communication and scientific writing skills; German is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a seasonal lake sampling campaign, including water-column sampling and profiling, and deploy/ recover sediment traps.
• Design and perform stable isotope tracer incubations to quantify nitrification and N2O production.
• Conduct and interpret lab analyses of nutrients, dissolved gases, and organic matter with established facilities.
• Integrate field data with satellite observations to link surface productivity, export, and N2O production.
• Collaborate on data synthesis and biogeochemical modelling.

Skills

Aquatic fieldwork

Laboratory research

Nutrient cycling

Gas measurements

Satellite remote sensing

Data analysis

Scientific writing

English proficiency

Education

PhD in biogeochemistry or related field

Tools

Remote sensing software

Biogeochemical modelling

Job description

Postdoctoral Position - Aquatic Biogeochemistry and Remote Sensing

University of Basel

Basel, Switzerland

The Aquatic and Isotope Biogeochemistry Group in the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position within a research project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

The project investigates how algal production and organic matter export regulate microbial nitrogen cycling and nitrous oxide (N₂O) production in lakes, and how these processes may respond to climate change. Combining seasonal field observations, stable isotope tracer experiments, satellite remote sensing, and biogeochemical modelling, we aim to connect processes within the water column to patterns observable at the lake surface.

The research will be conducted within the Aquatic and Isotope Biogeochemistry Group at the University of Basel, in close collaboration with the Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology). Fieldwork will focus on Lake Baldegg, Switzerland.

Your position

• 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.