Doctoral Student on Climate and Hydrological Extremes and Water Quality
Investigate how climate and hydrological extremes impact water quality and develop predictive data-driven models.
Best for:Best for environmental science or hydrology graduates with strong Python/R programming skills and experience in statistical modeling.
Overview
ETH Zurich and the WSL-Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF are inviting applications for a Doctoral Student position focusing on the impacts of climate and hydrological extremes on water quality. Part of the NCCR CLIM+ programme funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the research involves studying extreme events like heatwaves, droughts, and floods to build advanced data-driven predictive models. The successful candidate will work within an interdisciplinary research environment across Zurich and Davos, with responsibilities including scientific publication, data analysis, and hydrological process modeling. Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree and bring strong programming and modeling skills.
What you'll do
- Investigate the direct effects of climate and hydrological extremes, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, on water quality metrics like nutrients and oxygen levels.
- Develop innovative data-driven prediction models for water quality under evolving climate change scenarios using process-related insights.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present outcomes at national and international conferences.
- Process and analyze large-scale hydrological, meteorological, and climate observation or simulation datasets.
- Collaborate within an interdisciplinary and international research team across ETH Zurich and SLF Davos.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc in hydrology, climate sciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; very good oral and written communication skills required
Instruction: English
- Strong background and knowledge in hydrological processes
- Demonstrated experience in statistical and/or data-driven modeling
- Strong programming capabilities, ideally in Python and/or R
- Experience handling and analyzing large datasets, particularly hydrological, meteorological, or climate data
- Collaborative mindset with strong motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-09
Prepare all required documentation including a cover letter, CV, diploma certificates and transcripts, and a link to your MSc thesis. Submit your application exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal before the specified deadline.
- Cover letter
- CV
- Diploma certificates and transcripts
- MSc thesis link
- 2 professional reference contacts
Contact
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