Postdoc on the risks of riverine heatwaves (f/m/d)

WSL; Davos; On-site; CHF 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF in Davos invites applications for a Postdoc on the risks of riverine heatwaves (f/m/d). You will work within the RiHeat project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and assess risks to fish and energy production under climate change.

You will publish results in scientific journals and present at international conferences. Strong programming skills in R or Python and a PhD are required; English communication is essential in this

Qualifications

• PhD in hydrology, environmental sciences, climate sciences, or closely related field.
• Strong programming skills in R or Python.
• Good publication record and communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Publish results in scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Assess the risks of riverine heatwaves for fish populations and energy production.
• Collaborate with researchers at SLF and ETH Zurich in an interdisciplinary setting.

Skills

Programming (R/Python)

Statistics

Risk assessments

Data science

Publications

English communication

Education

PhD in hydrology

Job description

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and thus of the ETH Domain. WSL focuses on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards. WSL employs approximately 600 people, of whom 180 work at SLF in Davos.

The group at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF in Davos and the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich predicts hydro-climatic extreme events in mountain regions and quantifies their future changes.The group has strong expertise in water resources, extreme value analyses, statistical modelling, and climate impact assessments and is looking, from spring 2027, for a

Postdoc on the risks of riverine heatwaves (f/m/d)

You will work in the project “Riverine heatwaves under climate change (RiHeat)”, which is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Anomalously high river water temperatures introduce thermal stress to fish and other aquatic species and reduce the thermal cooling efficiency of power plants, in particular if they persist over time. Despite the potentially severe impacts of riverine heatwaves, there exists limited understanding of their occurrence, drivers, future changes, and risks. Within the RiHeat project, you will assess the risks of riverine heatwaves for (a) fish populations and (b) energy production in the Central Alps under current and future climate conditions. You will publish your results in scientific journals and present them at international conferences. The work location will be at SLF in Davos with the possibility to collaborate closely with people at the .

You hold a PhD degree in hydrology, environmental sciences, climate sciences, or a closely related field. We seek candidates with strong skills in programming (e.g. R or Python), statistics, risk assessments, and data science. A good publication record with respect to your career stage and research interests in climate change and hydrology complete your profile. We encourage applications from enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who have very good oral and written communication skills in English. You are motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and international working environment and you would enjoy working in a beautiful and varied mountain environment.