Job Description

Doctoral researcher position in alpine hydrology NEW Part-time Research and Instruction The Chair of Hydrology at the University of Freiburg is offering a doctoral researcher position on the topic of “Groundwater Discharge into Mountain Streams" (short: GAUGE), starting 01/03/2026. Application deadline: 14. December 2025 Publication date: 14. November 2025 Start-date: 1. March 2026 Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %) Id no.: 00004633 Description Mountain streams supply water to both mountain regions and downstream areas and are therefore an important freshwater resource for ecosystems and humans (“water towers”). However, the role of groundwater in maintaining streamflow in mountain streams (baseflow) has been relatively little researched to date and is the focus of a new project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). In this project, we plan to establish an innovative streamflow measurement network in many, partly nested catchments in the Swiss Alps. These measurements, in combination with an existing dataset covering several hundred catchments, will be analysed in detail and integrated into models. The project aims to improve our understanding of groundwater storage and discharge in mountain regions and identify the most important landscape features that influence these processes. The results will improve our understanding of the role of groundwater in the alpine water cycle—a prerequisite for the sustainable management of water resources in the future. The tasks include: Planning and implementation of a multi-year field campaign in the Swiss Alps with the aim of continuously measuring streamflow in many mountain streams. Creating and publishing a dataset with quality-controlled streamflow data as well as other meteorological data and catchment attributes. Analysing the newly created dataset to gain a better understanding of groundwater discharge and its most important landscape controls. Comparing the results with an existing dataset covering the whole of Switzerland. Communicating with local authorities and government agencies. Involvement in organizing project meetings and events. Preparing research reports, presenting results at scientific conferences, and publishing in international journals. Requirements: High motivation for independent scientific work with the goal of completing a doctorate. Completion of a university degree (master's) in hydrology or a related field of environmental and earth sciences or geography, with a focus on hydrology. Experience in field work and motivation to help plan and carry out a field campaign in a challenging environment. Very good knowledge of Python, R, or a comparable programming language, as well as in the use of geographic information systems (e.g., QGIS). Experience in data analysis using statistical methods and hydrological modelling. Excellent English skills (oral and written). Good German skills (oral and written). Driving license (Klasse B). Initiative, ability to work in a team, and strong social skills. We offer: Varied work on an exciting and highly relevant research topic in a dynamic, research-oriented team, with supervision. Opportunity for exchange at international and national conferences. Exchange, support, and ongoing training opportunities through the Graduate School of the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources with a doctoral qualification program. Optional involvement in university teaching. The position is limited to 3 years. The salary corresponds to the standard for doctoral students in this research area (TV-L E13, 75% Wissenschaftsgehalt). Please apply for this position with informative documents, including a letter of motivation, CV, scientific publications (if available), academic transcripts (transcripts/certificates listing all courses and respective grades; unofficial copies are acceptable initially) and contact details of at least two academic references, stating the subject line: “Application GAUGE” until 15/12/2025 the latest. Application Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004633, by 14. December 2025 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form: Professur für Hydrologie Universität Freiburg Friedrichstraße 39 D – 79098 Freiburg For further information, please contact Dr. Sebastian Gnann on the phone number +49 761 203-9283 or E‑Mail sebastian.gnann@hydrology.uni-freiburg.de. Apply now #J-18808-Ljbffr Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

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