Doctoral Student in Glaciology and Glacial Hazards
4-year PhD position focusing on cold hanging glacier stability, high-alpine fieldwork, and thermo-mechanical modeling at ETH Zurich.
Best for:Best for geoscience or physics graduates with strong quantitative skills, an interest in numerical modeling, and a readiness for high-alpine fieldwork.
Overview
ETH Zurich is seeking a motivated doctoral student to join the Professorship of Glaciology for a four-year project investigating cold hanging glacier stability under climate warming in the French and Swiss Alps. Affiliated with the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) and WSL, the successful candidate will combine rigorous high-elevation fieldwork, manual and machine-learning-aided geospatial mapping, and advanced thermo-mechanical modeling. The project aims to develop a data-driven hazard index for hanging glaciers to better assess ice-avalanche risks. Candidates are expected to bring a background in earth sciences, physics, or engineering, and a strong interest in high-mountain environments.
What you'll do
- Create a comprehensive inventory of hanging glaciers using manual mapping and machine-learning-aided approaches.
- Conduct high-elevation field measurements in Switzerland, collecting ice temperatures, mass balance data, and firn cores.
- Drive state-of-the-art thermo-mechanical models using collected field observations and meteorological data to simulate glacier temperature evolution.
- Predict basal temperatures of hanging glaciers and intersect them with stability criteria to derive a regional hazard index.
- Collaborate with postdoctoral researchers, senior scientists, and international project partners within a Swiss-French consortium.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, environmental or earth science, environmental engineering, or related fields
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent oral and written proficiency (C1 to C2)
Instruction: English
- Solid background in physical sciences, mathematics, or engineering
- Familiarity with geospatial analysis or numerical modeling
- Willingness and physical fitness to conduct fieldwork in high-mountain environments
- Hold an eligible Master's degree prior to appointment
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-15 · open until filled
Interested candidates must submit their complete application exclusively through the ETH Zurich online portal. Applications sent via email or postal services will not be accepted. Ensure all requested documents, including motivation letter, CV, transcripts, and references, are properly formatted and uploaded.
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Copies of diplomas and transcripts
- Completed summary form
- Contact details of two references
Contact
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