Department of Geography

Postdoctoral researcher: Microwave Remote Sensing for Water Systems Research 80 - 100 %

Start of employment November/December 2026 or upon agreement, temporary

The Remote Sensing of Water Systems group is a joint professorship at the University of Zurich and Eawag. Our research and teaching activities focus on the use of remote sensing to study water systems across terrestrial and aquatic environments. We follow a highly interdisciplinary approach ranging from methodological to applicational development and incorporate diverse remote sensing technologies (e.g., optical, thermal, microwave, sound) from in situ to airborne to satellite sensors.

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative, and team-oriented postdoctoral researcher in microwave remote sensing with a high interest in studying water systems to strengthen our team. Example research activities of our team include the assessment of local and large-scale forest drought damage caused by climate extremes, the quantification of catchment water balance and surface water dynamics, flood detection, or the 3D exploration of inland waters.

Your responsibilities

  • Conduct research in the field of microwave remote sensing of water systems
  • Collaboration in interdisciplinary research projects
  • Publication and outreach of scientific results
  • Teaching and supervision of BSc, MSc, and PhD students
  • Contribute to fund raising activities

Your profile

  • You have a PhD degree in remote sensing, physics, geography, environmental science, or a related field.
  • You see this position as an opportunity to pursue your own professional goals and continue your professional development.
  • You have substantial experience in working with satellite-based microwave remote sensing (e.g., SAR, GNSS transmissivity and reflectometry, active or passive microwave, altimetry).
  • You are interested in working with in situ- and drone-based approaches.
  • You can connect signals with processes and applications.
  • You understand the added value of working with multi-sensor approaches to serve water-related applications.
  • You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and (preferably) knowledge of German.
  • You enjoy working with others and contributing your ideas to the team.

Information on your application

Are you interested in taking on this challenge and joining our team? Please apply through the button below by 30 September 2026. The application must include a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information of two references. The position is fully funded for a period of initially one year, an extension to more years is possible. For further details questions, please contact alexander.damm@geo.uzh.ch

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


More
Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

More
Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

More
Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

More
Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

More
Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


More
International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

More
Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

More

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Alexander Damm-Reiser
Contact Form

Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Alexander Damm-Reiser

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
UZH