Roman Stocker

The Chair of Groundwater and Hydromechanics at the Institute for Environmental Engineering (IfU), ETH Zürich, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in "Ecohydraulics and drift in riverine systems." This opportunity is part of a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) funded project led by Dr Luiz G. M. Silva, within the group of Prof. Roman Stocker, and includes collaboration with Associate Professor Jenni Raitoharju from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The research focuses on the development and deployment of the Riverine Organism Drift Imager (RODI), a new-generation underwater imaging device designed to transform drift studies in riverine ecosystems. Many small riverine organisms, such as aquatic invertebrates and fish larvae, rely on flow-mediated drift for downstream dispersal. Despite its ecological importance, the spatial and temporal dynamics of drift remain poorly quantified due to limitations in current sampling methods. The project aims to address these gaps by deploying RODI, a camera-based system capable of continuous, in situ detection, classification, and quantification of drifting organisms. This technology enables highly resolved, long-term monitoring of species presence, abundance, and movement patterns in rivers and streams, bridging engineering, imaging, and aquatic ecology. The postdoctoral researcher will apply RODI to investigate macroinvertebrate and fish larval drift, focusing on scientific questions related to drift dynamics under varying flow regimes, hydropower impacts, mitigation and restoration measures, and drift-related foraging strategies. Responsibilities include deploying, operating, and maintaining RODI at field sites in Switzerland and internationally (notably Finland), developing novel research ideas, benchmarking RODI against traditional sampling methods, contributing to machine-learning model development, designing an image-based database, and iteratively improving RODI hardware and software. The candidate will also author and co-author scientific publications and present findings at international conferences. Applicants must hold a PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Ecohydraulics, or a related discipline, with demonstrated experience in freshwater fieldwork. Essential skills include data management, visualisation, quantitative analysis, and statistical modelling; familiarity with machine learning is advantageous. Strong English communication skills, interdisciplinary research interest, and willingness to travel for field deployments are required. The position offers a 2-year contract, competitive remuneration, scientific independence, and access to a network of ecohydraulics and ML/AI specialists. ETH Zürich provides a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable research environment. Applications must be submitted online via the ETH application portal, including a CV, full undergraduate transcripts, a cover letter (1-2 pages), and at least two (preferably three) letters of reference. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2026, with the review process beginning as applications are received. The target start date is May 1, 2026, or earlier. For questions, contact Dr Luiz Silva at [email protected] (do not send applications to this email). ETH Zürich is a world-leading university in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, fundamental research, and commitment to diversity and sustainability. The university offers a vibrant international community and opportunities for career development and scientific visibility.

ETH Zürich’s bioMatter Microfluidics Group, led by Dr Eleonora Secchi and hosted within the chair of Prof. Roman Stocker at the Institute of Environmental Engineering, is offering two fully funded PhD positions focused on the biophysics and rheology of bacterial biofilms. The group’s research aims to uncover the physicochemical mechanisms governing microbial surface colonisation, biofilm assembly, structure, and rheology, using interdisciplinary approaches that span materials science, microbiology, microfluidics, and advanced imaging techniques. These positions are part of a recently funded SNSF project dedicated to systematically investigating nonlinear biofilm rheology, with a particular emphasis on the role of extracellular DNA (eDNA). Biofilms, as complex microbial communities encased in a polymeric matrix, play critical roles in medicine, industry, and the environment, contributing to persistent infections, antibiotic resistance, and biofouling. The project seeks to understand how biofilms respond to mechanical stresses, especially in the nonlinear regime where stress-hardening and stiffening may occur, potentially mediated by the entropic elasticity of eDNA networks—a concept well established in polymer physics but largely unexplored in living biofilms. PhD candidates will experimentally investigate nonlinear rheology and stress-hardening in bacterial biofilms of various morphologies using custom microfluidic and rheometry platforms. They will quantify the role of eDNA and its interactions with biofilm matrix components through mutant libraries, enzymatic/antibody assays, and controlled physicochemical conditions, as well as assess the incorporation of exogenous DNA into biofilms and its impact on morphology and mechanics. Advanced fluorescence and confocal imaging approaches will be developed and applied to resolve biofilm network structure and eDNA conformation in situ. Candidates will also contribute to the development of a numerical predictive model of biofilm mechanics and collaborate within an interdisciplinary team and with external partners, communicating results through publications and presentations. The role includes wet-lab experimentation, project management, numerical modeling, and teaching duties. The ideal applicant will hold a Master’s degree in physics, biophysics, materials science, microbiology, or a related field, with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of soft-matter physics and microbiology. Experience in experimental work such as microfluidics, rheology, microscopy, or culturing microbes, and familiarity with data analysis and quantitative modelling are highly valued. Candidates should be motivated to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment and to contribute actively to teaching activities. ETH Zürich offers a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive working environment, with training opportunities, career development perspectives, mentoring programmes, and flexible working conditions. The university is committed to sustainability and equality of opportunity, fostering a climate-neutral future and a fair, open environment for all staff and students. Applications must be submitted online via the ETH Zurich application portal by November 30th, 2025, and should include a curriculum vitae, cover letter (including motivation, research interests, and possible start date), full transcript from undergraduate studies (Bachelor and Masters), a copy of Master’s or Bachelor’s thesis (PDF), and at least two reference letters. Applications sent by email or post will not be considered. For questions regarding the position, contact Dr Eleonora Secchi at [email protected]. ETH Zürich is one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to solving global challenges.

The bioMatter Microfluidics Group led by Dr Eleonora Secchi at ETH Zürich is recruiting two PhD candidates for a fully funded, four-year project focused on the biophysics and rheology of bacterial biofilms. The research aims to uncover the physicochemical mechanisms controlling microbial surface colonisation, biofilm assembly, structure, and mechanical properties, with a special emphasis on the role of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in stress-hardening and adaptation. The project is part of a recently funded SNSF initiative and involves experimental investigation using custom microfluidic and rheometry platforms, advanced imaging, and mathematical modeling. Candidates will work in a highly interdisciplinary, international team within the chair of Prof. Roman Stocker at the Institute of Environmental Engineering. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in physics, biophysics, materials science, microbiology, or a related field, and have experience in experimental techniques such as microfluidics, rheology, microscopy, or microbial culturing. Familiarity with data analysis and quantitative modeling is highly valued. The position offers training opportunities, career development perspectives, and support programmes, with a commitment to diversity and flexible working conditions. Applications must be submitted online by November 30th, 2025, including CV, cover letter, transcripts, thesis, and two reference letters. For questions, contact Dr Eleonora Secchi at [email protected]. ETH Zürich is a world-leading university in science and technology, offering an inclusive and supportive environment for research and learning.