Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Davos
Yesterday
PhD Student ‘Climate-Coupled 3D Permafrost Model Swiss Alps’ (m/f/d) 100%
- 17 April 2026
- 100%
- Davos
Job summary
The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of ETH.
Tasks
- Conduct research on climate-coupled 3D models of permafrost.
- Model physical processes impacting permafrost stability in mountains.
- Develop interactive temperature field visualizations for data.
Skills
- Candidates should have a background in applied geophysics.
- Experience in finite element modeling and thermal processes.
- Fluency in a Swiss national language for effective communication.
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About the job
The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Federal Research Institute WSL and thus belongs to the ETH domain. WSL is concerned with the sustainable use and protection of the environment as well as responsible management of natural hazards. It employs around 600 staff, of which 180 work at the SLF in Davos.
PhD Student ‘Climate-Coupled 3D Permafrost Model Swiss Alps’ (m/f/d) 100%
The research unit Alpine Environment and Natural Hazards investigates physical and ecological processes as well as process chains in mountain regions and their connection with climate and natural hazards. For the research group Permafrost we are looking for a candidate starting July 1, 2026 or by agreement
Many questions in research and practice require knowledge about the spatial distribution of permafrost in high mountain areas and its changes. Permafrost influences the stability of infrastructure and the occurrence of alpine mass movements, especially in times of climate change. The SLF permafrost and ground ice map (PGIM) is currently consulted for many problems in these subject areas.
The PGIM is being fundamentally further developed in a joint project between SLF and armasuisse Immobilien. For this purpose, a time-dependent thermal 3D model coupled to the surface energy balance is being designed for the Swiss high mountains. The model is intended to calculate past and future thermal conditions in the periglacial subsurface and to make them interactively displayable in maps or profile sections. Modeling is based, among other things, on time series of ground temperature from various boreholes in the Swiss Alps as well as climate time series and scenarios for Switzerland.
For this PhD position, we are looking for applicants with a background in applied geophysics. You have experience modeling with the finite element method and possess solid knowledge of the thermal processes acting at the surface and in the ground. Modeling physical processes as well as creating a user interface for interactive visualization of temperature fields requires proficiency in suitable programming languages. Fluent knowledge of a Swiss national language is expected to ensure simple internal project communication.
Your PhD position at SLF enables you to conduct research in an exciting and interdisciplinary scientific environment in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Please send your complete application to Ivana Bohac, Human Resources SLF, by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by email or postal mail will not be considered. For further information and questions, Robert Kenner is available at +41 81 4170 219, robert.kenner(at)slf.ch. Diversity and inclusion are lived values at WSL. We are committed to gender equality and promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
