PhD Candidate "Spatio-temporal Avalanche Forecasting" (m/f/d)
Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Davos Dorf
Key information
- Publication date:16 January 2026
- Workload:100%
- Place of work:Davos Dorf
Job summary
Join the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, part of WSL. This is a great opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research!
Tasks
- Develop methods for high-resolution avalanche forecasting.
- Validate and present findings at scientific forums.
- Participate in the graduate program at the University of Zurich.
Skills
- Master's in environmental or geosciences with analytical skills.
- Experience with large datasets and programming languages.
- Strong communication skills in English and German.
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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 Candidate «Spatio-temporal Avalanche Forecasting» (m/f/d)
The Avalanche and Prevention research unit studies the formation and dynamics of avalanches, develops and operates prevention and early warning systems for alpine natural hazards. We are looking for a candidate starting May 1, 2026, or by agreement, within the framework of the SNSF project «Towards high-resolution, intelligent, spatio-temporal avalanche forecasting».
The goal of the project is to develop methods that enable temporally and spatially higher-resolution, data-driven regional avalanche forecasts, and to investigate how different resolutions and forms of presentation influence the decision-making behavior of users.
You will develop and validate methods to represent machine predictions of avalanche danger in more spatially and temporally detailed ways. You will present and publish your results at appropriate scientific forums. Additionally, you will participate in the graduate program for Geography and Earth System Sciences at the University of Zurich and fulfill the associated requirements, including a contribution to teaching.
You hold a master's degree in environmental or geosciences or a comparable natural science field and bring strong analytical and statistical skills. You have experience handling large datasets and reproducible workflows as well as programming languages such as R or Python. Furthermore, knowledge of snow and avalanche processes and practical experience for safe work in winter terrain are advantageous. You possess good organizational and communication skills and speak and write fluent English and German.
The position is located in the Avalanche Warning group at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, with primary supervision by Dr. Frank Techel and enrollment at the University of Zurich (Prof. Dr. Ross Purves), in close collaboration with other research teams at SLF and operational avalanche warning.
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 questions, Frank Techel is available at techel@slf.ch. At WSL, diversity and inclusion are lived values. We are committed to gender equality and promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
