Postdoc position in spatial genomics of aquatic invertebrates

Postdoc position in spatial genomics of aquatic invertebrates (3 years)

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). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

The Altermatt lab at the Department of Aquatic Ecology at Eawag and the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies (IEU) at the University of Zurich have a vacancy for a postdoc position.

One Bio Net -G:
Genetic diversity of key species of invertebrates in small water bodies in Switzerland is a cross-measure project funded by the 2nd Swiss Biodiversity Action Plan (AP SBS II) of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment’s (FOEN/BAFU). Our aim is to integrate genetic/genomic diversity across multiple aquatic invertebrates in Switzerland to understand their genetic composition and connectivity and to associate it with future climate and land-use change at large scale.

In this Post Doc project, you will establish and analyse genomic diversity of multiple aquatic keystone species in a spatially explicit approach.

• a) de-novo sequencing and assembly of draft genomes for multiple aquatic insect (may-, stone-, and caddisfly, EPT) and amphipod species;
• b) establishing genomic data for approximately 2,000 individuals across dozens of populations (using whole genome sequencing or ddRAD approaches);
• c) infer genetic diversity, connectivity and adaptive genetic variation, including retrospective changes in inbreeding and effective population sizes;
• d) conduct spatially explicit analyses of the genetic/genomic diversity and associate it to river network topology, environmental variables and biogeographic drivers;
• e) assess feasibility, strengths and potential limitations of population genomic monitoring approaches for a national genetic diversity monitoring program.

The project is fully funded by FOEN/BAFU, links to the One Bio Net  initiative “Advancing functional connectivity of ecologically valuable areas through a Social-Ecological System” and is building on a Swiss pilot study for monitoring genetic diversity. The project has a strong focus on establishing baseline genomic data for Swiss aquatic invertebrates and is conducted in close collaboration with stakeholders.

The position is to be filled with a motivated candidate capable of taking a leading role in advanced genetic analyses, and a strong expertise in genomics, including laboratory, bioinformatic and spatial analyses.

To apply
, you must have a PhD degree in Molecular Ecology, Ecology, Biodiversity Sciences or a closely related science field. You must have proven laboratory and bioinformatics experience in whole genome sequencing and/or ddRAD sequencing approaches, and knowledge on analysing genomic data. Experience in bioinformatics, spatial distribution modelling or programming is an asset. A strong conceptual background in molecular ecology and a good understanding of ecological theory and data analysis are expected.

Proven skills in scientific writing are needed. The working language in the groups is English. Fluency in speaking and writing is required. Additional German or French language skills are desirable for stakeholder interactions.

The overall project is led by Prof Dr Florian Altermatt at Eawag/UZH. The successful applicant will be based and hired at Eawag (Duebendorf, Switzerland). The project involves collaborations with stakeholders at FOEN/BAFU, WSL, University of Lausanne and the Genetic Diversity Centre (GDC) at ETH Zurich. The position is fully funded for three years and is expected to start in fall 2026.

Applications must be submitted by 9 August 2026. Your application should include a letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a complete CV, university diplomas, and the names and contact information for three references (all in one pdf file).

For further questions, consult (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or contact Prof Dr Florian Altermatt.

Eawag:
Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology