Doctoral position in Debris Flow Monitoring

ETH Zürich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State-of-the-art laboratories

Teaching assistant opportunities

Job summary

ETH Zürich, within the Engineering Geology Group, seeks a creative and motivated doctoral candidate starting January 2027 for a funded 4-year project on debris flows mechanisms and risk management. The role combines field monitoring, data analysis, and hypothesis-driven research across five study sites.

You will install systems, analyze data, and contribute to risk assessment in mountains. The ideal candidate holds an MSc in a geoscience field, has interest in debris flow processes, and

Qualifications

• MSc or higher in a geo-science related field.
• Interest/experience in debris flow mechanisms is essential.
• Excellent English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Derive velocity and flow depth estimates from point cloud and camera data at high spatial/temporal resolution.
• Develop hypothesis-driven analysis of in-situ debris flow measurements.
• Conduct field work to install/operate systems and study sediment transfer at five study sites.
• Synthesize knowledge to advance understanding and management of debris flows.

Skills

Debris flow mechanisms

Point cloud analysis

English communication

Education

MSc in Engineering Geology / Earth Sciences / Geological Engineering / Geotechnical Engineering or related fields

Tools

Point cloud data processing

Job description

The Engineering Geology Group, (Prof. Dr. Jordan Aaron, Geological Institute) is looking for a creative and motivated doctoral candidate with a strong interest in debris flows mechanisms, field monitoring, and natural hazard risk management.The position is expected to start in January 2027 and is fully funded for 4 years.

Project background

This is an SNSF funded project that aims to improve our understanding and management of debris flows, which are one of the most important hazards in mountainous areas.The project is focussed on collecting and analyzing a unique field data set collected using sensors originally developed for mobile robotics applications.

Job description

• Particular focus will be placed on deriving velocity and flow depth estimates at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions by analyzing point cloud and camera data
• You will develop a deep understanding of debris flow motion, and use this to perform hypothesis driven analysis of in-situ debris flow measurements
• You will perform field work to install and operate the systems, as well as to understand sediment transfer at the five study sites
• You will combine all this knowledge to develop new ways to understand and manage debris flows

Profile

• Msc. in Engineering Geology, Earth Sciences, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or related fields
• Experience with or interest in point cloud analysis is considered an asset
• Strong interest in debris flow mechanisms
• Strong interest and/or background in landslide hazard and risk assessment
• Motivation, creativity, independence, and ability to work in a team
• Excellent English communication skills

We offer

We are an enthusiastic and collaborative research group with many opportunities for multi-disciplinary cutting-edge research in engineering geology.There are significant opportunities to broaden your research interests and develop your academic career. We further offer training in teaching through teaching assistantships, as well as access to state-of-the-­art laboratories and research equipment.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising inscience and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledgeinto society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find ouruniversity to be a place that promotes independent thinking and anenvironment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,yet forging connections all over the world, we work together todevelop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.