PhD Position in Glaciology: Modelling Firn Changes at the Glacier Scale ETH Zürich in Switzerland

This PhD position in Glaciology at ETH Zürich focuses on modelling firn changes at the glacier scale, with a particular emphasis on the impacts of climate change on glacier evolution and water resources. The role is embedded within the Professorship of Glaciology, operating at the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). The VAW Glaciology group is internationally recognized for its research on glaciers, with activities spanning high-mountain regions and polar areas.

The deFIRN project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, investigates how firn processes are transitioning due to climate change and quantifies the acceleration of glacier mass loss in the Swiss Alps and Central Asia. The project aims to develop new, process-based parameterizations for firn and surface albedo, improving the accuracy of regional glacier models and predictions of future water availability. The collaborative team includes ETH Zürich, University of Fribourg, and WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, with a network of partners across Europe and Central Asia.

The doctoral research will quantify transitions in firn structure, albedo, and temperature on selected glaciers, assessing their consequences for glacier surface mass balance. Initial tasks involve investigating model sensitivity to parameterizations, spin-up configurations, and meteorological forcing. The candidate will use models to analyze the influence of firn changes on surface energy balance, thermal regime, densification, and albedo. Objectives include developing frameworks for optimal physical parameter inference, downscaling meteorology using satellite data, and evaluating model results against in situ observations.

The position is based at VAW Glaciology, with work in both Sion and Zurich. The optimal starting date is 1 April. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, international research group dedicated to glacier studies and their changing impacts. The group values a friendly, inclusive, and diverse working environment, with English, German, French, and Italian as working languages.

Supervision is provided by Dr. Evan Miles (faculty supervision by Professor Daniel Farinotti), with co-supervision from Dr. Ruzica Dadic (SLF) and Dr. Jonas Fiddes (mountainfutures GmbH). Applicants should hold a master’s degree in environmental science, geoscience, engineering, physics, or a related field, and have experience in computational data analysis or numerical modelling. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of French or German is an asset. The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international team is essential.

ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellence in science and technology, offering a vibrant environment for research and education. The university promotes diversity, sustainability, and equal opportunities, striving for a climate-neutral future. Applications must be submitted online via the ETH Zürich portal, including a motivation letter, CV, diplomas, transcripts, and contact details for two references. Evaluation begins on 11 February and continues until the position is filled.

For further information, visit the VAW Glaciology website or contact Dr. Evan Miles at [email protected] (questions only, no applications). Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.