PhD Position in Climate Change Impacts on Hazards from Rock Glaciers
Vor 2 Tagen
The Engineering Geology Group (Prof. Dr Jordan Aaron, Geological Institute) is looking for a creative and motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in the analysis of sediment supply processes (i.e. debris flows, rockfall, etc.) from rock glaciers. In this interdisciplinary project, the PhD student will collaborate with experts in landslides, geomorphology, and climate change. The position is expected to start in June 2025 and is fully funded for 4 years.
Project backgroundDebris flows are both a significant geomorphic process and a major hazard, threatening communities and infrastructure in mountainous regions. Their management is becoming increasingly challenging due to the impacts of climate change, as demonstrated by numerous events across the Alps in the summer of 2024. Many of the most hazardous debris flows originate from rock glaciers—a permafrost landform particularly sensitive to climate change.
To advance our understanding of hazards associated with rock glaciers and their potential evolution under future climate scenarios, this project will 1) collect data on rock glacier erosion, 2) develop a model to study debris-flow activity, and 3) apply this model for climate change impact assessments.
Debris-flow risk is primarily influenced by extreme rainfall, as well as the sediment supply rate. While climate change projections indicate an increase in extreme rainfall events, the dynamics of sediment supply and how they will change remain poorly understood. This project seeks to address this critical gap by quantifying and analyzing rock glacier erosion rates and informing a new model with the gained knowledge. This model will serve as a foundation for assessing the impacts of climate change on debris-flow hazards.
Job descriptionThe PhD project will instrument rock glaciers, which are also prone to debris flows, with a novel monitoring system. The position therefore includes a significant amount of fieldwork in the Swiss Alps. The collected data will enable us to accurately quantify erosional events. The PhD student will use this data to study drivers of sediment supply events (e.g., meteorological data). Furthermore, data on past hazards will be collected and incorporated into the analysis. The gained knowledge will be used to develop a numerical model including key hydrologic and geomorphic processes, which will be forced with the latest climate change scenarios to study future hazards from rock glaciers.
ProfileWe are seeking a motivated candidate with the following qualifications and skills:
- MSc degree in Environmental Engineering, Engineering Geology, Earth Sciences, Geological Engineering, Geography, Geophysics, or a related field
- A strong interest in gaining a deep understanding of geomorphic processes, natural hazards, and their dynamics
- Proficiency in data analysis using Python or Matlab
- A genuine interest in and willingness to engage in fieldwork in the Swiss Alps
- An independent working style, with a reliable, self-organized, and proactive attitude
We are an enthusiastic and collaborative research group with many opportunities for multi-disciplinary cutting-edge research in engineering geology. There are significant opportunities to broaden your research interests and develop your academic career. We further offer training in teaching through teaching assistantships, as well as access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, laboratories, and research equipment.
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About ETH ZürichETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing 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.
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Zürich, Schweiz ETH get hired VollzeitPhD Position in Climate Change Impacts on Hazards from Rock GlaciersThe Engineering Geology Group (Prof. Dr. Jordan Aaron, Geological Institute) is looking for a creative and motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in the analysis of sediment supply processes (i.e. debris flows, rockfall, etc.) from rock glaciers. In this interdisciplinary project,...
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Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich VollzeitPhD Position in Climate Change Impacts on Hazards from Rock GlaciersThe Engineering Geology Group (Prof. Dr Jordan Aaron, Geological Institute) is looking for a creative and motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in the analysis of sediment supply processes (i.e. debris flows, rockfall, etc) from rock glaciers. In this interdisciplinary project, the...
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