Research Assistant 80-100% (m/f/d)

• 11 July 2026 • 80 - 100% • Indefinite duration • Dübendorf Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally connected aquatic research institute within the ETH domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, provides training, and offers expert advice in order to achieve the dual objectives of meeting direct human water needs and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Research Assistant 80-100% (m/f/d) # The Aquatic Ecology department (Eco) has a vacancy for a Biodiversity-inspired lake modeling - linking cell processes to ecosystems. Climate change is causing the warming of lake surface waters, which, due to increased thermal stratification, often also reduces the nutrient input from deeper waters. Projecting how these simultaneous changes in temperature and nutrients affect lake ecosystems requires a mechanistic understanding of the impacts of combined changes in temperature and resource availability on phytoplankton physiology, biodiversity, and function. In this project, we will improve mechanistic lake models to incorporate greater planktonic biodiversity in order to a) predict community diversity and composition responses to combined gradients of warming and changes in resource availability (light, nitrogen, and phosphorus), and b) improve predictions of ecosystem properties and function by including the impacts of phytoplankton diversity and composition.   We are looking for a research assistant with developed skills in working with phytoplankton or other microbes. You will participate in fieldwork to collect wild phytoplankton isolates but will also lead laboratory cultivation and the development of workflows. You will use established workflows to cultivate wild isolates and will support the performance of highly replicated and controlled laboratory experiments. You have proven experience in sterile techniques, basic training in molecular biology, and can support the development of new laboratory assays. An interest in high-content imaging (optical, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy) and automated image analysis is highly appreciated. The project is funded by the SNSF Lead Agency process and represents a collaboration with a large team of internal and international collaborators. Opportunities for travel for additional training may be offered.   This project is an international collaboration between research groups at Eawag (Narwani and Bouffard), Wageningen University (Velthuis), NIOO-KNAW (Van de Waal), and the University of Rhode Island (Inomura). It is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation Lead Agency process.   You have completed training as a laboratory technician or hold a BSc or MSc in biology or a related field. You are proficient in standard molecular biology methods, know cell biology, phytoplankton, and phytoplankton physiology, and have participated in performing controlled laboratory experiments. You are well-organized, capable of clearly documenting your work, reliable, and enjoy teamwork.   The position will be based at Eawag in Dübendorf, Zurich, in the Biodiversity & Ecosystem Functioning group. The latest start date is 1 February 2027, and the position is funded for 3 years.   At Eawag, we have a working environment where people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us progress! We promote authentic participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that allow compatibility between work and other areas of life, such as caregiving tasks, and we continuously strive to reduce barriers.   Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us - we will be happy to support you with possible solutions for flexible workplace, working hours, and job arrangements. For more information, please consult our website on Eawag as well as our employment conditions.   The first evaluations of applications will begin after 15 August 2026. Applications must include a cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in this position, a CV, as well as the names and contact details of three references.   For more information, please contact Dr Anita Narwani.   We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it via this webpage; any other form of application will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.   Applications from placement agencies/personnel consultants are not desired and will not be taken into consideration.   Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology