Careers

Open positions in the ICOS field

Doctoral student in isotope-enabled evapotranspiration partitioning, ETH Zurich, Switzerland (deadline 1st February 2026)

The position is part of the project Isotope-enabled flux partitioning of evapotranspiration (ET) in five Swiss forest and grassland ecosystems (IsoFlux). IsoFlux investigates ecosystem water and energy fluxes as well as ecosystem resilience against climate extremes. Using continuous, high-frequency water vapor isotope measurements (δ²H, δ¹⁸O) in combination with eddy-covariance ET fluxes, we will develop more robust, less assumption-dependent methods to partition ET into evaporation (E) and transpiration (T). Across five Swiss FluxNet sites spanning an elevational gradient, IsoFlux will (1) deploy a mobile in-situ isotope observation system, (2) quantify the water sources sustaining E and T using isotopes in precipitation, litter, and soil, and (3) compare isotope- and flux-based ET partitioning and identify drivers of ET, E, and T across seasons and years using machine learning approaches.

The doctoral project focuses on assessing ET partitioning of different forest and grassland sites across Switzerland. Your work includes:

• Deployment of a mobile in-situ isotope measurement system to measure water vapor isotopes at different Swiss FluxNet sites,
  Measurement and data evaluation of eddy-covariance ET fluxes,
• Soil and plant sampling as well as water extractions to identify potential water sources,
• Assessment of different methods for ET partitioning using eddy-covariance flux and stable water isotope data,
• Statistical analyses, including machine learning approaches.

The full-time position is funded for four years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.

Profile

Upon starting, you must have completed:

• A Master’s degree in atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, forest sciences, hydrology, ecology, or a closely related science field with experience in stable water isotopes, micrometeorology, biogeochemistry, and/or plant ecophysiology.
• You must have experience with fieldwork, good statistical skills, and programming experience (e.g., in R or Python).
• A good standard of written and spoken English as well as a driver’s license are mandatory.
• Good writing skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment are expected.

Deadline for applications is 1st February 2026.

Read more and apply here.

SOCAT Data Engineer, Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Ostend, Belgium (deadline 26th January 2026)

At VLIZ, we are committed to enhancing the societal impact of marine research. Are you passionate about leveraging data to advance marine sciences and contribute to EU and global initiatives? Join us at the VLIZ Marine Data Centre (VMDC), where we are dedicated to making high-quality data and information accessible while championing FAIR data principles.

We play a pivotal role in European marine data and observation infrastructures such as ICOS, EMBRC, EMODnet and EDITO. We host marine databases of international importance, including EurOBIS, WoRMS, and Marine Regions. VLIZ also pioneers in marine observations and amongst others operates and manages ICOS stations and delivers data to the ICOS Carbon Portal and the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT), with active participation in working groups of both ICOS CP and SOCAT (Global Group and Coastal Regions co-chair). This job offer relates to the support that VLIZ will provide to SOCAT and the connection with the ICOS Carbon Portal, to secure the continuation of SOCAT and further develop it so that it meets the growing demands to deliver timely and relevant data, products and information. We guarantee a diverse job with plenty of growth and learning opportunities in an exceptionally dynamic and international environment.

OUR OFFER 

• A challenging position with a 2-year contract in a vibrant and international environment at Innovocean Campus.
• A competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience according to the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009.
• Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, free public transport between home and work.
• A good work-life balance through a generous leave package, flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week.
• The possibility to work partly from home after an induction period.
• Opportunities for personal development (training).

YOUR TASKS

• You will focus on services and tasks related to the world’s largest surface ocean CO2 data service (SOCAT).
• You will work on data coordination, quality control and submission mechanisms.
• You will work closely with the leader of the SOCAT Global Group on the coordination of the group and network.
• You will work closely with the current SOCAT data team to assess needs and/or gaps in support.
• You will be communicating with and supporting SOCAT contributors.
• You will work on metadata harmonization, FAIR principles and interactions with other international data services (e.g.
• EMODNET, CMS, ICOS Carbon Portal).
• You will drive efforts to ensure tight links with the emerging SOCONET surface CO2observation network and assist in its goal of becoming fully operational.

For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.

YOUR PROFILE 

• You hold a master’s degree in applied sciences (e.g. software engineering, bioinformatics), Data Science, or a related field; (or equivalent experience).
• You have at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with handling scientific data and metadata, understanding of FAIR data principles and their implementation. Specific knowledge of marine data landscape is a plus. Experience with handling of carbon related data is a plus.
• Good coordination and organizational skills (meetings, workshops).
• Experience with modern software productivity tools such as Github, Jupyter notebooks.
• Experience programming with python.
• Experience of writing academic papers.
• You have a sharp and analytical mind and possess a healthy dose of strategic insight.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• You are eager to work in an international context.
• Proficient knowledge of English.

Deadline for applications is 27th January 2026. 

Read more and apply here.