Doctoral Student in Glaciology and Glacial Hazards

1000scholars; Zürich; On-site; CHF 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zürich in Zurich seeks a Doctoral Student in Glaciology and Glacial Hazards to join the ICEFAL project. The successful candidate will map hanging glaciers, perform high-elevation field measurements, and collect ice-temperature data for thermo-mechanical modeling to assess stability and hazard indices.

We expect a Master’s degree in a relevant field and strong English. The position is four years, 100%, fixed-term, based in Zurich, with collaboration across VAW-Glaciology and WSL.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, environmental or earth science, environmental engineering, or related fields.
• Excellent knowledge of English, both in oral and written form (C1 to C2)

Responsibilities

• Create an inventory of hanging glaciers using manual mapping and possibly machine-learning aided approaches.
• Perform field measurements at high-elevation sites in Switzerland.
• Collect measurements of ice temperatures, complemented with mass balance measurements, firn cores, and analyses of long-term ice-avalanche monitoring data
• Drive a state-of-the-art thermo-mechanical model (Elmer/Ice) to investigate the past and future evolution of the temperature field of the studied glaciers and stability.
• Predict basal temperatures of hanging glaciers and intersect with stability criteria to derive a hazard index for hanging glaciers in the study region

Skills

Master’s degree

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in geophysics/earth science

Job description

Doctoral Student in Glaciology and Glacial Hazards

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are looking for a Doctoral Student to join the team of the Professorship of Glaciology for four years. Our group is affiliated with ETH’s Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) as well as the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).

Project background

The Doctoral Student is offered within the project Stability of cold hanging glaciers under climate warming in the French and Swiss Alps (ICEFAL). ICEFAL is composed of a Swiss-French consortium studying the effects of rising ice temperatures on the stability of cold hanging glaciers and their likelihood to be the source of large ice avalanches. The overarching goal of the project is to provide a data-driven method to create an index of hazard potential for all hanging glaciers in the French and Swiss Alps, with applicability beyond the study region. The index combines geometric and thermal considerations. To achieve this goal, the project combines fieldwork, state-of-the-art thermo-mechanical modeling, and regional-scale geospatial analyses.

Job description

• Create an inventory of hanging glaciers using manual mapping and possibly machine-learning aided approaches
• Perform field measurements at high-elevation sites in Switzerland
• The goal is to collect measurements of ice temperatures, which will be complemented with mass balance measurements, firn cores, and analyses of long-term ice-avalanche monitoring data
• Leverage the collected field data as well as available meteorological data to drive a state-of-the-art thermo-mechanical model (Elmer/Ice) to investigate the past and future evolution of the temperature field of the investigated glaciers and possible repercussions on stability
• Predict basal temperatures of hanging glaciers from approaches developed at VAW-Glaciology and by project partners, and intersect these with stability criteria to derive a hazard index for hanging glaciers in the study region

The work will be supported by postdoctoral and senior researchers of VAW-Glaciology and is based in Zurich.

Profile

The successful candidate brings a combination of the following skills and experiences to the project:

Required

• A Master’s degree in geophysics, physics, environmental or earth science, environmental engineering, or related fields
• Excellent knowledge of English, both in oral and written form (C1 to C2)

Desired background and interest in the following topics

• A keen interest in high-mountain hazards
• A solid foundation in math and physics
• Glaciologic training or expertise
• A willingness to conduct fieldwork in a high-mountain environment
• Geospatial analysis and processing skills (e.g., QGIS)
• Experience with hazard and risk management concepts
• Prior experience with physics-based numerical modelling
• Familiarity with a scripting language (e.g., Python or Matlab)
• Outdoor or mountaineering experiences
• Interest and experience working in teams
• Knowledge of German and/or French

We stress that successful applicants do not need to come with all desired skills/experiences. Furthermore, candidates with non-traditional academic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

We offer

We are a dynamic and international research group, fully dedicated to the study of glaciers, ice sheets and the impacts resulting from their changes. We value a welcoming, friendly, and supportive working atmosphere and strive for excellence in all we do. The working languages in our group are English, (Swiss) German, French, and Italian. For more information on our group and activities, please visit the following website and/or our social media channels (@VAW_glaciology).

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 Dr. Mylène Jacquemart, [e-mail] (no applications).

We will begin reviewing applications on 15 November 2026, and applications will close once a suitable candidate is found. The optimal starting date is March 1, 2027.

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.