PhD Student in the Design of Sustainable Sediment Retention Basins

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, a member of the ETH Domain, is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the design of sustainable sediment retention basins in mountainous regions. The successful candidate will join the Research Unit Mountain Hydrology and Mass Movements, specifically the Torrents and Mass Movements research group, to investigate the interaction of bedload and large wood at sediment traps in torrents and mountain streams. The overarching goal is to develop design recommendations that maintain sediment continuity during small floods while ensuring robust retention of bedload and wood during large floods and overload scenarios. Research activities will include extensive field measurements at selected sediment traps to characterize flow, bedload, and wood transport processes. Complementary laboratory experiments will be conducted at the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), ETH Zurich, to study the mechanical retention of wood and sediment at racks, nets, and guiding structures, as well as the overall functioning of sediment trap systems under various flood scenarios. The integration of field data and laboratory results will enable the derivation of robust, transferable design principles for sediment retention basins. The PhD student will be expected to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals in English and produce a practice-oriented report in German and/or French. Presentation of results at international scientific conferences and practitioner meetings is also anticipated. The position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with the River Engineering group at VAW, ETH Zurich, and to be enrolled as a doctoral student at ETH Zurich (Chair of Hydraulic Engineering, Prof. Robert Boes), while being based at WSL in Birmensdorf, near Zurich. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related discipline, with solid knowledge of fluvial hydraulics and sediment transport. The ideal candidate is curious, dedicated, and interested in both practical hydraulic engineering and detailed sediment and wood transport processes. Active participation in laboratory and field work is required. Fluency in English is mandatory, and a B2 level in German or French is preferred. Basic programming skills in Python and/or Matlab are expected. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion, actively promoting gender equality and fostering an open, inclusive work environment. The position is full-time (100%) and funded according to WSL/ETH Zurich standards. The anticipated start date is May 2026 or by agreement. To apply, candidates should submit a motivation letter, CV, a 1-page summary of their Master’s thesis, contact details for at least two reference persons, and Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts via the WSL application webpage. For further information, Dr. Isabella Schalko ([email protected]) is available for inquiries.