Internship on camera-based monitoring of aquatic organism dispersal

The Ecohydraulics Team within the Environmental Microfluidics Group at the Institute of Environmental Engineering is seeking a dynamic and motivated trainee for a project deploying underwater cameras to monitor the impact of hydropower operation on small aquatic organisms.

Fish move within rivers for many reasons, including spawning, feeding, and avoiding predators. Early life stages, such as fish larvae, often rely on river flow for downstream dispersal. Rapid changes in river flow, such as hydropeaking caused by hydropower operation, can negatively affect this process. While laboratory flume experiments have supported this hypothesis, no field study has yet investigated the impacts of hydropeaking on larval fish dispersal.

In 2025, the Ecohydraulics team at the Institute of Environmental Engineering (ETH Zurich) will carry out experiments in the Poschiavino river (GR) to study the effects of hydropeaking on the dispersal of brown trout larvae (Salmo trutta). In this study we will use a cutting-edge underwater camera system (the Riverine Organism Drift Imager, RODI), developed in house, combined with electrofishing and colored-dye marking of fish. By marking the fish after they emerge from their nest and using continuous image-based monitoring, we can reconstruct their dispersal pathways, quantify differences between hydropeaking and non-hydropeaking reaches, and thus assess the impacts of hydropeaking.

The internship will take 4 - 5 months, starting with training in Zurich, followed by up to 14 weeks of fieldwork in Poschiavo (GR), and concluding with field data assessment in Zurich.

Fieldwork will take place at the Poschiavino river between April and July 2025. As part of our team, you will:

• Deploy and maintain the underwater camera systems.
• Collect environmental data.
• Assist during electrofishing.
• Support the marking of fish.

After the fieldwork, you will support video-based organism identification using computer vision and machine learning tools during data analysis.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic trainee with an interest in riverine ecosystems. This role is ideal for someone eager to gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and actively contribute to the success of the project.

Additionally, the ideal candidate should have the following qualifications:

• Currently enrolled at an institution of higher education (Bachelor or Master program) or recently obtained Master degree.Ability to work reliably and handle assigned tasks independently.
• Adaptability to handle unexpected challenges during fieldwork and occasional nightshifts.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Good communication skills in English (speaking and reading).
• A driver’s license and communication skills in Italian would be useful but are not essential.

We offer an opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary and international research environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. You will work with open-minded colleagues, gaining hands-on experience in conducting fieldwork at Alpine rivers, combining hydraulic engineering with aquatic ecology. During the data analysis you will become familiar with modern computer vision and machine learning techniques, providing you with valuable skills for your future career.

Fieldwork will take place over 14 weeks in the stunning Poschiavo Valley, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, or swimming in your free time. In Poschiavo a house will be shared by the field team of 10 people (2 – 3 per bedroom). Accommodation in Poschiavo and transportation between Zurich and Poschiavo will be fully covered.