The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.
The Mountain Hydrology and Mass Movement research unit investigates natural hazard processes in mountainous terrains, including landslides and debris flows. It is planned to fill the following position by January 2027.
As part of a research project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, we are hiring a PhD student to investigate the dynamics and spatial-temporal variability of bedload transport. Special focus is on WSL’s torrential observatory at Erlenbach (Alptal, Switzerland) and novel monitoring methods including seismic nodes and/or fibre optic technology with distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). A key project objective is to develop monitoring capabilities, which allow observations of bedload mobilization along a torrent reach. To this end, a network of near-torrent seismic sensors will be deployed, which provides temporal and spatial resolution of variations in bedload activity.
The successful candidate should therefore have a master’s degree in a scientific or engineering subject, with strong analytical skills in time series analysis and data interpretation in terms of fundamental physical theories. Solid knowledge of a high-level programming language such as Python or Matlab as well as the ability to handle large data sets are required. Knowledge in seismic interferometry and/or machine learning is a plus. As the project involves substantial fieldwork, an interest in outdoor sensor deployments, data acquisition and the maintenance of field installations is essential. Publication of scientific results in geoscience journals is a crucial part of the responsibilities within this position and good English proficiency as well as the ability to work in a dynamic team are indispensable. Communication in German will be regarded as an advantage for managing field campaigns.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the required documents via our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Dr Fabian Walter, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.
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The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL provides science-based solutions for forests, landscapes, biodiversity, natural hazards, and snow and ice in a changing world. As a federal research institute and part of the ETH Domain, WSL commits itself to excellence in research and implementation that benefits nature and society.
As the leading Swiss research institute for terrestrial environmental systems, WSL performs outstanding research at the national and inter- national levels that benefits the environment and society in Switzerland and beyond. We address global challenges driven by land use change, climate change, biodiversity loss, altered bio- geochemical cycles, and urbanisation, as well as their interactions. WSL is thus in a position to develop science-based solutions for sustainable approaches that serve both the environment and society. We accomplish this together with partners from research, practice and the public, to effectively support environmental decision-making and governance. To train the next generations of decision-makers, we engage in teaching and continuing education in the field of terrestrial environmental science. Through its activities and engagement with society, WSL bridges the science-policy gap and contributes to a future rooted in sustainability.
