2 Ph.D. positions in Hydrology at the University of Lausanne

[David K]

The Hydrology group at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, is seeking candidates for 2 fully funded Ph.D. positions. Expected start between February-October 2024. 

Position 1: Water Transit Times and Water Quality in Catchments (apply)

This position aims to improve our understanding of the links between water transit times (see Benettin et al., 2022) and solute transport in catchments. Possible initial topics for this position include: tracer-based estimation of water transit times in natural landscapes; relationships between water flow and rivers’ water quality; effects of urbanization and climate variability on water transit times. This position involves theoretical/modeling work (40%), data analysis (40%), and fieldwork (water sample collection and analyses for water stable isotopes and major ions, 20%).

Position 2: Ecohydrology (apply)

This position aims to better understand the interactions between water and vegetation (see Fatichi et al. 2015), especially using tracers like the water stable isotopes (see Penna et al., 2018). The initial topic of this position will be understanding how vegetation (in particular grape vines) may use old/deep water stored in the soil during periods of water stress. Examples of additional possible topics include: monitoring and modeling urban vegetation dynamics; modeling water circulation in forested/agricultural landscapes; quantifying water transit times within a tree, from roots to leaves. This position involves data analysis (50%), and then a flexible ratio of modeling and/or fieldwork.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental science/engineering, geochemistry, soil physics or closely related disciplines
• Some experience with applied mathematics (for example, statistics, differential equations) 
  
• Some experience with programming (for example, in Python/R/Matlab)
• Some experience with field work and experimental data collection
• Enthusiasm for environmental research

How to apply 

Applications are only managed through an institutional platform: Position 1, Position 2. Deadline: 30.10.2023. Applications to both positions are possible, if duly motivated. For any questions, feel free to contact Paolo Benettin (paolo.b...@unil.ch).

The University of Lausanne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.