Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d)

For our research centre "Climate Change, Extreme Events and Natural Hazards in the Alpine Region – CERC", which was established as part of the SLF in Davos, we are seeking a doctoral candidate for the Alpine Remote Sensing group starting January 2027.

Within the framework of a research agreement between the Federal Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape (WSL/SLF) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), with support from the Office for Natural Hazards, Fires and Projects (UPIP) of the Canton of Ticino, the doctoral candidate will work on the development, testing and implementation of new methods to investigate large deep-seated slope instabilities in the Southern Swiss Alps. The focus is on the analysis of two landslide areas, where fieldwork, monitoring, remote sensing and numerical modelling are combined to better understand the spatial and temporal development of mass movements. The results are intended to contribute to the development of possible hazard scenarios and to assist the cantonal authorities in defining appropriate protective measures for infrastructure and the population.

The workplace is mainly at the SLF in Davos. However, several work stays at the SUPSI campus in Mendrisio as well as fieldwork in the Canton of Ticino are expected. The dissertation supervision will be provided by PD Dr Andrea Manconi (ETH Zurich, D-EAPS).

You hold a Master’s degree in engineering or natural sciences. You possess excellent knowledge in the investigation of mass movements, remote sensing, fieldwork and handling large datasets. Ideally, you already have experience in satellite-based radar interferometry (InSAR) and programming. You have very good English skills and work independently and responsibly. Good Italian skills are an advantage, as collaboration with SUPSI and the cantonal authorities in Ticino is an important part of the role.

Please send your complete application to Ivana Bohac, Human Resources SLF, by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by e-mail or post will not be considered. For questions, please contact Andrea Manconi (andrea.manconi@slf.ch). WSL aims to increase the proportion of women and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply.