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 Research Group High Mountain Glaciers and Hydrology (HIMAL) of Dr Francesca Pellicciotti studies high elevation cryospheric processes and water resources in the mountain regions of the world. We are looking from early summer 2023, for a duration of 2 years, for a
PostDoc in Land Surface Modelling of Mountain Systems (f/m/d)
As part of the large ETH Domain SPEED2ZERO project (Sustainable Pathways of Environmental and Energy Development towards Net Zero Switzerland), which aims at providing viable action plans to enable Switzerland sustainable transformation to a net-zero-emission future. As part of that large effort, this position will generate simulations at the scale of the entire Switzerland of the natural environment responses to the measures adopted for the transition, using a land surface model forced with new climate scenarios produced by the ETH Climate Physics group of Prof. Dr. Reto Knutti. The position will focus on mountain systems and the reconstruction of tipping points and threshold effects in the response of the hydrosphere and cryosphere. At WSL, you will work in close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Niklaus Zimmermann’s group to include cryosphere-biosphere interactions in the model simulations.
The SPEED2ZERO project has many partners across the climate, biodiversity and energy sector, and you will be part of a large and dynamic initiative providing frontier science at the service of society. As a PostDoc, your main place of work will be the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL in Birmensdorf.
You hold a PhD degree with a solid expert knowledge in (geo-) physics, environmental engineering, physical hydrology, environmental sciences, atmospheric sciences, or a related field. Previous experience in computer modelling and scripting languages (e.g. Python, IDL, Matlab, R) is indispensable. Experience with remote sensing and large datasets is an asset. The capability to develop new ideas independently is necessary, as are very good English skills (both written and oral). You are a curious, self-reliant person who is also an excellent team worker and values cooperation.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. The application should include: 1) a cover letter with a statement about your previous research, your vision for the future and your motivation to work on this project 2) a curriculum vitae including (if applicable) the list of publications or PhD thesis topics and abstracts 3) copies of your academic qualifications and 4) names and contact information of 3 academic references. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Dr. Francesca Pellicciotti, phone +41 (0)44 739 25 04, francesca.pellicciotti@wsl.ch, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. The WSL strives to increase the proportion of women in its employment, which is why qualified women are particularly called upon to apply for this position.
