PhD student Snow Hydrology “Improved snowmelt forecasts for hydropower production planning”

The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and thus of the ETH Domain. WSL focuses on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards. WSL employs approximately 600 people, of whom 180 work at SLF in Davos.

The Research Group Snow Hydrology investigates the dynamics of snow water resources and snowmelt in alpine watersheds. The team is offering one PhD position within the project ”SnowInflow: Optimized inflow forecasts for the snowmelt period” and is therefore looking for a

PhD student Snow Hydrology “Improved snowmelt forecasts for hydropower production planning”

Your research will focus on developing a physics-based snow model specifically tailored to the unique snow and climate conditions in Norway and Switzerland, for application in an operational setting. You will enhance model representations, develop data assimilation concepts, and validate model results against unique remote-sensing snow observations. You will work within the snow-hydrological forecasting team at SLF in close collaboration with our project partners in Norway, including data assimilation experts at NORCE in Bergen and hydrologists at the hydropower company Statkraft in Oslo. You will publish your findings in scientific journals and present them at international conferences.

You hold a master’s degree in environmental sciences, physics, mathematics, or a related field. Previous involvement in research projects or relevant experience with numerical modeling, data assimilation, large-scale data analysis, or similar areas is desirable. A strong background in mathematics and programming is considered a significant advantage. You possess good oral and written communication skills in English. You are well-organized and work independently in a structured and efficient manner. Additionally, you appreciate working as part of a motivated, interdisciplinary team that operates at the interface between science and practice.

Please send your complete application to Clemens Güdel, Human Resources SLF, by submitting the requested documents via our application portal. Applications sent by e-mail or by post will not be considered. Jan Magnusson (jan.magnusson@slf.ch) will happily answer any questions or offer further information. WSL aims to increase the proportion of women, so qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

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