PhD student in real-time post-processing of Flood Forecasts in Alpine Space (f/m/d)

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.

The Mountain Hydrology and Mass Movements research unit develops principles for sustainable water management and investigates flood and torrential processes in predominantly mountainous regions. For the GLORI-A (Global-to-Regional ICON Alpine Twin) initiative we are looking for a qualified candidate, starting in January or February 2025 as a

PhD student in real-time post-processing of Flood Forecasts in Alpine Space (f/m/d)

As part of the GLORI-A (Global-to-Regional ICON Alpine Twin) initiative MeteoSwiss is developing a digital twin of the earth weather system with increased resolution over the Alpine region. WSL will support MeteoSwiss in estimating added values of on-demand weather-forecast for anticipation of impactful floods in the Alps. You will work on methods to evaluate in real-time the quality of ongoing impactful weather and hydrological events. You will develop and evaluate storylines to assess the added value of a configurable Digital Twin of the European Alps and hydrological impact models for Switzerland. You interact with stakeholders to identify their needs to increase confidence in decision about mitigation measure during floods. You publish your findings in scientific journals. Your workplace will be at WSL (Birmensdorf) with frequent exchanges with MeteoSwiss (Zurich Airport). You will be supervised by a scientist responsible for the project at both WSL and MeteoSwiss.

You hold a master from a technical university and focused your academic education in environmental sciences, earth sciences or applied mathematics. Interest experiences in flood hazard research with operational hydrometeorological forecasting chains is an advantage. You have some knowledge in hydrological models’ output, with strong background in programming (R, Python). We presume advanced statistical skill, preferably with previous work on probabilistic forecasts. You are highly motivated to apply your know-how to solve current scientific questions and contribute to future flood forecasting tools. You are fluent in English and have preferably already some experiences in writing and publishing scientific work. Your thesis will be affiliated with the ETH Zurich.

Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage by December 13, 2024 at the latest. Applications via email will not be considered. Dr Massimiliano Zappa, phone +41 (0)44 739 24 33, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.

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