To achieve the project goals, the successful candidate will:

• 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

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).

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.

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

• Letter of motivation
• CV
• Copies of your diplomas and transcripts
• Completed summary form (dowload here) 
• The contact details of two references

Further information about the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Mylène Jacquemart, jacquemart@vaw.baug.ethz.ch (no applications).

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

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

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.

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.