PhD student Snow Hydrology Snow-atmosphere interactions

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 landscapes and habitats, and a responsible approach to natural hazards. WSL employs approximately 500 people, of whom 140 work at SLF in Davos.

The Research Group Snow Hydrology investigates the dynamics of snow water resources and snowmelt in alpine watersheds. The team is offering two PhD positions within the SNF Project ”Snow-Atmosphere” starting on January/February 2020 and is therefore looking for

PhD student Snow Hydrology
Snow-atmosphere interactions

You will use numerical and experimental methods to study snow-atmosphere feedbacks in mountain catchments. You will perform field experiments to investigate processes driving sub-grid variability of wind and temperature over a depleting snow cover in spring. This will lead to an advanced understanding on the impact that land-surface heterogeneity has on local meteorology and seasonal snow cover at different spatial scales. Based on experimental findings you will develop a two-way coupled model system of atmospheric and multi-layer snow models that accounts for the sub-grid variability of surface fluxes to improve seasonal snow cover predictions. You will present your scientific results in journal publications and at international conferences.

You hold a master’s degree in environmental physics, atmospheric sciences or in a similar field. Expertise in the use of numerical models (spatially-distributed atmospheric and/or snow models) is desirable but not a mandatory requirement. You have good oral and written communication skills in English and preferably also in German. You are well organized, and operate independently in a structured and efficient way. You appreciate working as part of a motivated, interdisciplinary team that operates at the interface between science and practice.

Please send your complete application to Jasmine Zimmermann, Human Resources WSL/SLF, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Rebecca Mott, project manager, e-mail: mott[at]slf.ch, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. The WSL strives to increase the proportion of women in its employment, which is why qualified women are particularly called upon to apply for this position.