Internships in Fish Ecology and Evolution (100%)

 

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 Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution ( FishEc ) located in Kastanienbaum (Lucerne) has vacancies for

Internships in Fish Ecology and Evolution (100%)

In the research group ‘River Fish Ecology’, we study the ecology and evolution of fish in riverine ecosystems. We work mainly at the interface between ecology and evolution and realize again and again that these two traditionally separate disciplines are interdependent. More specifically, we are working on adaptation, fish migration and river fish biodiversity at the genetic, phenotypic and community level. The overall objective of our work is to understand the interactions and potential feedback between ecology and evolution.

We are currently looking for interns to work on various projects, including the projects Climate change and fish movement patterns , lake trout migration patterns in Lake Lucerne and adaptive radiation and migration in Arctic charr in Greenland.

Prerequisite for the internship is the enrollment at a university or college during the internship, ideally degree program Biology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering etc. (bachelor's or master's degree but not yet completed).

Your responsibilities  will vary between support during laboratory work and fieldwork. Laboratory work may include genetic analyses, stable isotope analyses, stomach content analyses and/or morphological analyses, depending on the experience and interest of the intern. F ieldwork may include participation in monitoring fish migration through downloads of data from acoustic receivers in the Rhine-Aare River network and electrofishing and tagging of juvenile trout in streams around Lake Lucerne .

Time period: Start and end date of the internship is flexible but would ideally start early in 2027. Duration of internship is between 4 and 6 months and the internship has a 100% workload. Compulsory for the internship is a matriculation at a university for the whole duration.

The main workplace is at Eawag’s Center for Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry (CEEB) in Kastanienbaum, Lucerne, which besides the Fish Ecology and Evolution Department hosts research group from the Department Surface Waters – Research & Management and offers a beautiful workplace at the shores of Lake Lucerne, a friendly international working climate and a strong cross-disciplinary research environment. Both departments within CEEB share a common interest in understanding the principles of the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and their susceptibility and adaptability to changing environments, and a common concern for sustainable management of ecosystems and biodiversity.

At Eawag , we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.

Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it - we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about  as well as our  of employment.

Deadline for applications is 16 November 2026 or until the positions are filled. The application should include an application letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a CV and the names and contact information for two references. 

For further information, please contact Dr Jakob Brodersen .

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.

 

Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology