项目介绍

2025年1月23日

The Engineering Geology Group (Prof. Dr Jordan Aaron, Geological Institute) is looking for a creative and motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in the analysis of sediment supply processes (i.e. debris flows, rockfall, etc) from rock glaciers. In this interdisciplinary project the PhD student will collaborate with experts in landslides, geomorphology and climate change. The position is expected to start in June 2025 and is fully funded for 4 years.

Project background

Debris flows are both a significant geomorphic process and a major hazard, threatening communities and infrastructure in mountainous regions. Their management is becoming increasingly challenging due to the impacts of climate change, as demonstrated by numerous events across the Alps in the summer of 2024. Many of the most hazardous debris flows originate from rock glaciers—a permafrost landform particularly sensitive to climate change.

To advance our understanding of hazards associated with rock glaciers and their potential evolution under future climate scenarios, this project will 1) collect data on rock glacier erosion, 2) develop a model to study how debris-flow activity, and 3) apply this model for climate change impact assessments.

Debris-flow risk is primarily influenced by extreme rainfall, as well as the sediment supply rate. While climate change projections indicate an increase in extreme rainfall events, the dynamics of sediment supply and how they will change remain poorly understood. This project seeks to address this critical gap by quantifying and anlysing rock glacier erosion rates and infroming a new model with the gained knowledge. This model will serve as a foundation for assessing the impacts of climate change on debris-flow hazards.

Job description

The PhD project will instrument rock glaciers, which are also prone to debris flows, with a novel moitoring system. The position therefore includes a significant amount of field work in the Swiss Alps. The collected data will enable to accurately quantify erosional events. The PhD student will use this data to study drivers of sediment supply events (e.g., meteorological data). Furthermore, data on past hazards will be collected and incorporated into the analysis. The gained knowledge will be used to develop a numerical model including key hydrologic and geomorphic processes, which will be forced with the latest climate change scenarios to study future hazards from rock glaciers.

Profile

We are seeking a motivated candidate with the following qualifications and skills:

• MSc degree in Environmental Engineering, Engineering Geology, Earth Sciences, Geological Engineering, Geography, Geophysics, or a related field
• A strong interest in gaining a deep understanding of geomorphic processes, natural hazards and their dynamics
• Proficiency in data analysis using Python or Matlab
• A genuine interest in and willingness to engage in fieldwork in the Swiss Alps
• An independent working style, with a reliable, self-organized, and proactive attitude

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 computing infrastructure, laboratories, and research equipment.chevron_rightWorking, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

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.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A brief cover letter summarizing your motivation to apply for the position
• Your CV
• Transcripts
• The contact details of two references

The application deadline for this position is February 28, 2025.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Department of Earth Sciences can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position (no applications) should be directed to Dr. Jacob Hirschberg (jacob.hirschberg@eaps.ethz.ch).