PhD Position: Groundwater and Peatland Ecosystem Resilience under Climate Change

Apply for a fully funded PhD in groundwater contributions to peatland ecosystem resilience under climate change at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Flexible start date in 2026. Experience fieldwork, data analysis, and numerical modeling in an interdisciplinary eco-hydrogeological research group.

PhD Position: Groundwater and Peatland Ecosystem Resilience under Climate Change – University of Neuchâtel (UNINE), Switzerland, 2026

Advance your scientific career with a fully funded PhD position investigating groundwater’s impact on peatland ecosystem resilience under Climate Change, hosted at the University of Neuchâtel (UNINE), Switzerland. This opportunity places you at the center of cutting-edge interdisciplinary eco-hydrogeological research, combining field investigations, advanced statistical analyses, and numerical modeling to address one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our era.

Research Focus: Groundwater Contributions to Peatland Resilience

The selected PhD candidate will join the Laboratory of Ecohydrogeology at UNINE, contributing to international research that explores how groundwater dynamics sustain and enhance the resilience of peatlands in the face of evolving climate patterns. Peatlands are vital carbon sinks and biodiversity reservoirs, making their hydrological stability a key factor in global ecological health and climate mitigation.

The project will be tailored to the candidate’s expertise and may prioritize:

• Field Investigations: Conduct research at pilot sites in diverse geographic and climatic settings, such as the Alps, Pyrenees, and Chile. Utilize hydrological, ecological, hydrochemical, and isotopic monitoring to understand groundwater–surface water interactions, especially during drought events.

• Data-Driven Analyses and Statistical Learning: Integrate peatland inventories, climate diaries, geological records, and ecological datasets with modern statistical and Machine Learning tools. The objective is to clarify how geology and climate control peatland vulnerability, resilience, distribution, and carbon fluxes, from local to global scales.

• Numerical Modeling: Test hypotheses about groundwater–surface water systems using climate change scenarios. Apply cutting-edge simulation tools to assess the effects of different aquifer settings on peatland hydrology, resilience, and ecosystem services.

World-Class Research Environment and Collaboration

The doctoral research will be based at the Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN) at UNINE, offering a stimulating environment supported by approximately 50 collaborators. You will benefit from access to:

• State-of-the-art laboratory and field equipment for rigorous data collection and analysis.

• Highly qualified technical support staff and research mentors.

• Dynamic PhD training programs and frequent collaborations across diverse scientific fields.

Your research will be co-supervised by Clément Roques (Laboratory of Ecohydrogeology) and Edward Mitchell (Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity), guaranteeing both hydrological and ecological expertise for your doctoral journey.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

Candidates must exhibit a strong foundation in Earth Science and Environmental Science and a passion for pioneering integrative research. The ideal applicant will possess:

• MSc in Hydrology, Ecology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field.

• Proven experience in data analysis and numerical modeling, preferably with multivariate datasets and environmental applications.

• Proficiency in Python (other scientific languages are a plus).

• Excellent writing and communication skills in English, with a demonstrated capacity for clear scientific dialogue.

• Motivation for collaborative science and broad interdisciplinary engagement.

PhD Duration, Start Date & Application Instructions

• Duration: Three years, with an option to extend for an additional year.

• Start date: Flexible, contingent upon agreement, but must begin no later than January 2026.

• Application deadline: October 3rd.

Application package requirements:

• Concise motivation statement (1 page) for the proposed research project.

• Detailed CV outlining academic achievements, skills, and research experience.

• Copies of academic qualifications.

• Names and contact information of one referee.

Compile all documents as a single PDF file and email to application.chyn@unine.ch using the subject line:
[Application EcoHydro PhD:] Your Name

For additional questions regarding the position, direct queries to Dr. Clément Roques (clement.roques@unine.ch) with the subject:
[Question EcoHydro PhD:] Your Name

Why Pursue Ecohydrological Research at UNINE?

UNINE’s CHYN stands at the forefront of European ecohydrology, climate resilience, and data-driven environmental science. Doctoral candidates enrolled here join a vibrant community dedicated to climate action, sustainable water resource management, and advanced ecosystem research.

You will interact daily with expert researchers, contribute to impactful publications, and develop technical proficiency and leadership in earth sciences. This PhD program is ideal for those passionate about making a measurable difference in global climate resilience, applying scientific rigor to real-world problems in freshwater ecology, landscape stability, and carbon management.

Graduates from UNINE are poised for influential careers in academia, research, government, or international environmental organizations.

Key Benefits

• Immersive research environment with top-tier facilities and field sites in Switzerland and abroad.

• Full collaboration with leading scientists in hydrology, geochemistry, ecology, and data science.

• Ability to shape your research emphasis—field investigations, data analysis, or modeling—according to your strengths and interests.

• Emphasis on publications, scientific impact, and global environmental relevance.

Take the next step in your research career by joining the University of Neuchâtel’s PhD program in groundwater and peatland ecosystem resilience. Apply now for a unique opportunity to study climate change impacts, contribute to international science, and build the expertise needed to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Flexible start date in 2026—submit by October 3rd!