Université de Neuchâtel

Founded in 1965 with a focus on the study of karst, the emblematic limestone rock of its native region, the Center for Hydrogeology and geothermics of the University of Neuchâtel (CHYN) is now one of the world’s leading research centers in virtually all areas of modern hydrogeology and geothermal energy.

The CHYN’s mission is to improve knowledge of renewable underground water and energy resources, develop strategies for their sustainable management, and pass on this knowledge through unique specialist training courses.

To achieve its objectives, the CHYN works closely with partner universities and research centers such as EAWAG and Laval University, major international organizations such as the ICRC and the UN, and public agencies such as the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).

The University of Neuchâtel, located between Geneva, Berne and Zurich, is home to some 4,200 students, 50% of whom come from other Swiss cantons and 22% from abroad. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees recognized by the Bologna Declaration in fields such as literature, law, science and economics. Focusing on innovative themes identified in its strategic vision 2027, it offers a framework for study and research adapted to the needs of society. With a staff of 780, 70% of whom are dedicated to teaching, the university is renowned for its close ties with students and professors, fostering a friendly atmosphere and high-quality supervision.

Homepage: https://www.unine.ch/chyn

Description of the position

In the context of increasing pressures on ecosystems from climate and land-use change, an improved understanding of the role of groundwater for ecological processes is particularly urgent. The chair of eco-hydrogeology will conduct international-level research on the interaction of groundwater with natural and human-modified ecosystems via flow, heat and solute exchange using computational methods. There is a unique opportunity to build strong multidisciplinary research and teaching activities in collaboration with internal groups in hydrogeology, geothermics, environmental chemistry, ecology or conservation biology and external partners such as EAWAG. The successful candidate will teach at Bachelor and Master levels (7 hours/week full professor or 4 hours/week assistant professor) in various programs at the Faculty of Science. He/she will supervise Master’s theses and doctoral dissertations and will perform administrative tasks. The teaching language is English at Master’s level and French at bachelor level, requiring a commitment to attain sufficient proficiency in French within two years.

Starting date:

1st of August 2025 or upon agreement.

Required qualifications:

PhD in earth or environmental sciences or equivalent, with an internationally recognized research and funding record in hydrogeology, and strong teaching and administrative skills.

Application Submission Deadline:

1st of March 2025.

Applications should be uploaded onto www.unine.ch/candis (ref. FS-EHG) in the form of a single PDF file, including a letter of motivation, a CV documenting full teaching and research experience, a list of publications, copies of diplomas and a list of experts able to assess the candidate’s competence (with at least three names). The candidate is also invited to present a statement (three pages max.) of teaching and research interests, his/her scientific approach to the domain, and projects that he/she intends to undertake at Neuchâtel. Further information can be obtained from the President of the Hiring Committee, Prof. Benoît Valley (benoit.valley@unine.ch) or the Dean of the Science Faculty, Prof. Philip Brunner (doyen.sciences@unine.ch), as well as on the site www.unine.ch/sciences.

In an effort to promote diversity among its staff, the University of Neuchâtel is committed to offering non-discriminatory working conditions.