Applications are invited for a fully funded 4-year Doctoral Student position in Glaciology and Glacial Hazards at ETH Zurich. The position is affiliated with the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
Overview
| Position | Doctoral Student (PhD Position) |
|---|---|
| Institution | ETH Zurich |
| Department/Group | Professorship of Glaciology (VAW / WSL) |
| Research Area | Glaciology, Glacial Hazards, Alpine Geophysics |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Duration | Fixed-term (4 years, 100%) |
| Application Review Date | 15 November 2026 (open until filled) |
| Expected Start Date | 1 March 2027 |
Designation
Doctoral Student in Glaciology and Glacial Hazards
Research Area
Glaciology, Alpine Geophysics, Climate Warming Impacts, Ice Dynamics, Numerical Modeling (Thermo-mechanical modeling), and High-Mountain Hazard Assessment.
Location
Zurich, Switzerland (with fieldwork conducted across high-elevation sites in the Swiss Alps).
Scholarship Description
The doctoral project is embedded within the Swiss-French consortium project ICEFAL (Stability of cold hanging glaciers under climate warming in the French and Swiss Alps). The project investigates the effects of rising ice temperatures on the stability of cold hanging glaciers and assesses the risk of large ice avalanches. The overarching goal is to develop a data-driven hazard index combining geometric and thermal factors applicable across alpine regions.
Key responsibilities and research tasks include:
- Creating an inventory of hanging glaciers using manual mapping and machine-learning-aided techniques.
- Conducting field measurements at high-elevation sites in Switzerland to gather ice temperatures, mass balance data, firn cores, and long-term avalanche records.
- Employing state-of-the-art thermo-mechanical models (such as Elmer/Ice) using field and meteorological data to simulate past and future glacier temperature profiles and stability changes.
- Predicting basal temperatures of hanging glaciers and integrating stability criteria to formulate regional hazard indices.
- Collaborating closely with postdoctoral and senior researchers at VAW-Glaciology and international project partners.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
Required Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, environmental or earth sciences, environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Excellent proficiency in English, both oral and written (C1 to C2 level).
Desired Skills and Background:
- A strong foundation in mathematics and physics.
- Prior training or background in glaciology or high-mountain hazards.
- Willingness and fitness to conduct extensive fieldwork in alpine/high-mountain environments.
- Familiarity with geospatial processing tools (e.g., QGIS).
- Experience with physics-based numerical modeling and scripting languages (such as Python or MATLAB).
- Understanding of hazard and risk management concepts.
- Outdoor or mountaineering experience.
- Strong interpersonal skills and interest in collaborative research.
- Working knowledge of German and/or French is an asset.
Note: Candidates are not expected to meet all desired criteria; applicants with non-traditional academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official ETH Zurich online application portal. Submissions via email or postal mail will not be processed. Prepare the following documents:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of university diplomas and academic transcripts
- Completed ETH summary form (available on the application portal)
- Contact details of two academic references
Inquiries regarding the scientific aspects of the position may be addressed to Dr. Mylène Jacquemart (jacquemart@vaw.baug.ethz.ch). Please do not submit applications to this email address.
Last Date for Apply
Review of applications begins on 15 November 2026. Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. The target start date is 1 March 2027.
Apply Link
Click Here to Apply Online at ETH Zurich
