Doctoral Position in Debris Flow Monitoring

Master in Integrated Building Systems ETH Zürich; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 60.000 - 75.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

ETH Zürich's Engineering Geology Group seeks a creative and motivated doctoral candidate to study debris flows through field monitoring, sensor data, and risk management. The position starts January 2027, is fully funded for four years, and involves installing systems at five study sites, analyzing point cloud and camera data, and developing new approaches to understand debris flow dynamics.

Applicants hold an MSc in relevant geoscience fields and have interest in point cloud analysis and

Qualifikationen

• 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; landslide hazard and risk assessment.

Aufgaben

• Derive velocity and flow depth estimates from point cloud and camera data.
• Develop understanding of debris flow motion and perform hypothesis-driven analysis.
• Perform field work to install and operate the systems and understand sediment transfer at five study sites.
• Combine knowledge to develop new ways to understand and manage debris flows.

Kenntnisse

Point cloud analysis

Team collaboration

English communication

Ausbildung

MSc in Engineering Geology

Jobbeschreibung

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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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

Workplace

Workplace

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.

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We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Jordan Aaron, Email: [e-mail] (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

Applications will be accepted until October 1, 2026.

About ETH Zürich

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