Postdoctoral Researcher in organizational dynamics for climate adaptation in utility services (80-100%) (m/f/d)

Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Postdoctoral Researcher In Organizational Dynamics For Climate Adaptation In Utility Services (80-100%) (M/F/D)

The Sanitation, Water, and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec) department has a vacancy for a
The postdoc will work in the “Organizations and Climate” group at Eawag under the leadership of Dr George Wainaina and co-develop a two-year research project resulting in peer-reviewed scientific articles. The preferred starting date is November 2025, and the candidate would be based at Eawag office in Dübendorf, Zurich. 

The project will focus on investigating the dynamic capabilities needed by urban water and sanitation service organizations, such as utilities, NGOs, social enterprises, among others, to expand and sustain service provision amidst constraining climate impacts (e.g., droughts, floods, heatwaves, etc). Together with the project team, the postdoctoral researcher will build on existing organizational studies literature to develop concepts for analyzing the extent of dynamic capabilities and their role in supporting organizations to sustain and expand services. The expectation is to establish new and transformative ways in which water and sanitation services can be provided (e.g., CWIS, sanitation levies, decentralized water and resource reuse, blue green infrastructure) and the dynamic capabilities organizations need to implement and manage them. The postdoctoral researcher will employ qualitative expert interviews, combined with qualitative methodologies, including comparative analysis, social network analysis, and thematic analysis, to understand the role of dynamic capabilities in enhancing services, anticipating threats, and leveraging opportunities. 

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and independent postdoctoral researcher interested in organizations as key drivers of change in sustainability transitions. The candidate must fulfill the following: 

• Capable of conducting comparative mixed-method research in the water sector (or have an interest in the sector), with the possibility of doing empirical work beyond Switzerland 
• Completed their PhD in social sciences, including public policy and administration, organizational studies, or related fields 
• Being fluent in English (spoken and written) is required 
• Experience with qualitative comparative analysis and/or qualitative expert interviews are a strong plus 

Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience, and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment. 

Applications must be submitted by 12 October 2025 and should include: 

• 1-page cover letter. Please indicate why you are the right candidate for this position, explain your motivation to apply, and clarify the potential impact that you can achieve with this kind of research 
• CV
• One writing sample (e.g., a recent published article) 
• Names and affiliations of three references 

For further information, please contact Dr George Wainaina. 

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology