Postdoc position in the Aquatic Physics group
Prof. Daniel F. McGinnis
Assoc. Prof. Aquatic Physics
Director Department F.-A Forel
+41 (0)22 379 0792
Postdoc position in the Aquatic Physics group
The Department F.‐A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Science invites applications for a research position (postdoc) in the Aquatic Physics group (Prof. Daniel F. McGinnis). The successful candidate will work on a field‐oriented interdisciplinary research project exploring multiple aspects of coastal oceanography, inland waters, carbon and constituent turnover in various settings within estuaries/mangrove ecosystems. S/he will implement state‐of‐the‐art measurement equipment and techniques, combined with system analytical approaches and modeling, including, for example, water mass and salt mass balance frameworks, estuary and coastal oceanography models, and carbon budgets, to characterize and quantify physical and biogeochemical dynamics across estuarine and mangrove environments. Additionally, the candidate will co‐supervise Masters and PhD student projects, and contribute to teaching (courses Environmental Physics (final year bachelor) and student fieldwork in alpine contexts).
Your profile: Applicants are expected to be motivated, self‐starting and passionate about scientific research. A PhD in environmental engineering/science, physics or related fields is required. Experience in aquatic physics, coastal oceanography, or physical‐biogeochemical interactions as well as modeling, programming and/or field work is desired. Applicants must be able to both conduct independent research and work well within groups. They should have some experience in teaching and be willing to contribute significantly to courses and student fieldwork. Candidates are expected to possess excellent communications skills in English, orally and in scientific writing. Knowledge of French is helpful, but not required.
Additionally, the candidate must:
- Enjoy working outdoors, in remote and challenging environments, and on water.
- Be comfortable operating and maintain sophisticated scientific equipment.
- Possess a driver’s license.
- Willing to acquire a boat license is a plus.
We offer: a 1 year position to start with, potentially renewable, with a 3-year period being aimed for. The position is available and should be filled as soon as possible. The salary is set by the University of Geneva guidelines.
Interested candidates: Please submit applications to both Dr. César Ordóñez and Prof. Daniel McGinnis . Submit any questions to Dr. César Ordóñez. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected.
Applications should include:
- Cover letter, including statement of motivation and qualifications.
- Current CV and publication list.
- Contact information for three potential references.
- University transcripts.
About us: Lakes, reservoirs and mangroves are important resources and habitats, and are intimately linked to the terrestrial ecosystem. The physical transport of substances (oxygen, nutrients, carbon, heat, pollutants) within these aquatic systems and across the interfaces defines their ecological “health” and functioning. The Aquatic Physics group utilizes state‐of‐the‐art field measurements, combined with system analytics and modeling, to explore these important physical processes and their impacts.
Geneva, 26.04.2026
May 12, 2026