PhD position (4 years): environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tracer of hydrological processes in snow and ice dominated catchments
100 %
In the Hydrology Group at the Institute of Geography, University of Bern
Starting date: January 2026
You will be part of the bilateral research project "Hydrology from Genes: what does eDNA tell us about melt contributions?" led by Dr. Natalie Ceperley. The project examines stream contributions and flow paths in snow and ice-dominated catchments of the Oregon Cascades (USA) and the Swiss Alps. By combining traditional tracers (stable isotopes and geochemistry of water) with naturally occurring environmental DNA (eDNA) data, we will perform a detailed analysis of hydrologic transitions, such as seasonal shifts. This project will conduct eDNA sampling across four catchments, where non-target metagenomics analysis will be conducted on samples of watershed discharge and water sources throughout the catchment to identify the individual genes present in water samples. In the last years of the project, the PhD student will also be involved in outreach workshops in Switzerland and Oregon.
The project connects research partners across continents (collaboration with Oregon State University's Dr. Stephen Good at the Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering and Dr. Byron Crump in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences). You will be based at the Hydrology Group, Institute of Geography, University of Bern, and fully integrated into the larger hydrology group led by Prof. Dr. Bettina Schaefli spanning hydrologic modeling, machine learning led by Dr. Pascal Horton, and process based research led by Dr. Natalie Ceperley, who will supervise your PhD. Sequencing will take place at the Next Generation Sequencing Platform at the Vetinary school of the University of Bern followed by bioinformatic support from the Interfaculty Bioinformatic Unit.
• Carry-out extensive field research in alpine environments for extended periods across two field seasons (June – September) in both the Cascade Mountains, Oregon, USA and in the Swiss Alps
• Manage laboratory analysis of field samples for eDNA, stable isotopes, and geochemicals with support
• Collaborate with a parallel PhD student at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR, USA, student assistants in Bern, and outreach and pedagogical specialists
• Experience and training with bioinformatics and hydrological data analysis in Matlab, Python, or R
• High motivation and corresponding level of self-organization to conduct field work in alpine environments and excitement to travel internationally during field seasons ( USA and Switzerland
• Interest in the laboratory work necessary for the eDNA extraction and analysis and hydrological variables in parallel, stable isotope of water and geochemistry
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Stimulating work environment, supportive supervision and mentoring, and opportunities to present research at national and international conferences and workshops
• Integration into the Hydrology Group a unit of the Geography Unit, the Geosciences Deparpartment, and the Faculty of Science as well as the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (OCCR) at the University of Bern. For more information about the group, please visit: https://www.geography.unibe.ch/research/hydrology/index_eng.html
Application deadline: November 1, 2025
