Internship on camera-based monitoring of aquatic organism dispersal 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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Internship on camera-based monitoring of aquatic organism dispersal
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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The Ecohydraulics Team within the Environmental Microfluidics Group at the Institute of Environmental Engineering is
seeking a dynamic and motivated trainee for a project deploying underwater cameras to monitor the impact of hydropower
operation on small aquatic organisms.
Project background
Fish move within rivers for many reasons, including spawning, feeding, and avoiding predators. Early life stages, such
as fish larvae, often rely on river flow for downstream dispersal. Rapid changes in river flow, such as hydropeaking
caused by hydropower operation, can negatively affect this process. While laboratory flume experiments have supported
this hypothesis, no field study has yet investigated the impacts of hydropeaking on larval fish dispersal.
In 2025, the Ecohydraulics team at the Institute of Environmental Engineering (ETH Zurich) will carry out experiments
in the Poschiavino river (GR) to study the effects of hydropeaking on the dispersal of brown trout larvae ( Salmo trutta
). In this study we will use a cutting-edge underwater camera system (the Riverine Organism Drift Imager, RODI),
developed in house, combined with electrofishing and colored-dye marking of fish. By marking the fish after they emerge
from their nest and using continuous image-based monitoring, we can reconstruct their dispersal pathways, quantify
differences between hydropeaking and non-hydropeaking reaches, and thus assess the impacts of hydropeaking.
Job description
The internship will take 4 - 5 months, starting with training in Zurich, followed by up to 14 weeks of fieldwork in
Poschiavo (GR), and concluding with field data assessment in Zurich.
Fieldwork will take place at the Poschiavino river between April and July 2025. As part of our team, you will:
- Deploy and maintain the underwater camera systems.
- Collect environmental data.
- Assist during electrofishing.
- Support the marking of fish.
After the fieldwork, you will support video-based organism identification using computer vision and machine learning
tools during data analysis.
Profile
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic trainee with an interest in riverine ecosystems. This role is ideal for
someone eager to gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and actively contribute to the success of the project.
Additionally, the ideal candidate should have the following qualifications:
- Currently enrolled at an institution of higher education (Bachelor or Master program) or recently obtained Master
degree.Ability to work reliably and handle assigned tasks independently.
- Adaptability to handle unexpected challenges during fieldwork and occasional nightshifts.
- Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Good communication skills in English (speaking and reading).
- A driver’s license and communication skills in Italian would be useful but are not essential.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
We offer an opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary and international research environment that values
curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. You will work with open-minded colleagues, gaining hands-on experience in
conducting fieldwork at Alpine rivers, combining hydraulic engineering with aquatic ecology. During the data analysis
you will become familiar with modern computer vision and machine learning techniques, providing you with valuable
skills for your future career.
Fieldwork will take place over 14 weeks in the stunning Poschiavo Valley, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking,
biking, or swimming in your free time. In Poschiavo a house will be shared by the field team of 10 people (2 – 3 per
bedroom). Accommodation in Poschiavo and transportation between Zurich and Poschiavo will be fully covered.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application by February 28th with the following documents:
- Cover letter
- CV
Potential candidates will be invited to interviews starting early February. Therefore, the position may be filled
before the application deadline.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via
email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about the Environmental Microfluidics Group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the
position should be directed to the project lead, Joël Wittmann, joelw@ethz.ch (please do not send applications to this
email).
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
The Ecohydraulics Team within the Environmental Microfluidics Group at the Institute of Environmental Engineering is
seeking a dynamic and motivated trainee for a project deploying underwater cameras to monitor the impact of hydropower
operation on small aquatic organisms.
Project background
Fish move within rivers for many reasons, including spawning, feeding, and avoiding predators. Early life stages, such
as fish larvae, often rely on river flow for downstream dispersal. Rapid changes in river flow, such as hydropeaking
caused by hydropower operation, can negatively affect this process. While laboratory flume experiments have supported
this hypothesis, no field study has yet investigated the impacts of hydropeaking on larval fish dispersal.
In 2025, the Ecohydraulics team at the Institute of Environmental Engineering (ETH Zurich) will carry out experiments
in the Poschiavino river (GR) to study the effects of hydropeaking on the dispersal of brown trout larvae ( Salmo trutta
). In this study we will use a cutting-edge underwater camera system (the Riverine Organism Drift Imager, RODI),
developed in house, combined with electrofishing and colored-dye marking of fish. By marking the fish after they emerge
from their nest and using continuous image-based monitoring, we can reconstruct their dispersal pathways, quantify
differences between hydropeaking and non-hydropeaking reaches, and thus assess the impacts of hydropeaking.
Job description
The internship will take 4 - 5 months, starting with training in Zurich, followed by up to 14 weeks of fieldwork in
Poschiavo (GR), and concluding with field data assessment in Zurich.
Fieldwork will take place at the Poschiavino river between April and July 2025. As part of our team, you will:
- Deploy and maintain the underwater camera systems.
- Collect environmental data.
- Assist during electrofishing.
- Support the marking of fish.
After the fieldwork, you will support video-based organism identification using computer vision and machine learning
tools during data analysis.
Profile
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic trainee with an interest in riverine ecosystems. This role is ideal for
someone eager to gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and actively contribute to the success of the project.
Additionally, the ideal candidate should have the following qualifications:
- Currently enrolled at an institution of higher education (Bachelor or Master program) or recently obtained Master
degree.Ability to work reliably and handle assigned tasks independently.
- Adaptability to handle unexpected challenges during fieldwork and occasional nightshifts.
- Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Good communication skills in English (speaking and reading).
- A driver’s license and communication skills in Italian would be useful but are not essential.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
We offer an opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary and international research environment that values
curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. You will work with open-minded colleagues, gaining hands-on experience in
conducting fieldwork at Alpine rivers, combining hydraulic engineering with aquatic ecology. During the data analysis
you will become familiar with modern computer vision and machine learning techniques, providing you with valuable
skills for your future career.
Fieldwork will take place over 14 weeks in the stunning Poschiavo Valley, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking,
biking, or swimming in your free time. In Poschiavo a house will be shared by the field team of 10 people (2 – 3 per
bedroom). Accommodation in Poschiavo and transportation between Zurich and Poschiavo will be fully covered.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application by February 28th with the following documents:
- Cover letter
- CV
Potential candidates will be invited to interviews starting early February. Therefore, the position may be filled
before the application deadline.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via
email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about the Environmental Microfluidics Group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the
position should be directed to the project lead, Joël Wittmann, joelw@ethz.ch (please do not send applications to this
email).
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.