1 PhD Position in the Field of Glacier Stability in Switzerland | ETH Zürich

The Glaciology Group within the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) invites applications for a

PhD Position in the Field of Glacier Stability

This PhD is funded through a new SNF Professorship in glacier seismology hosted by our institute. The project includes seismic measurements on and near Swiss glaciers and subsequent analysis with an emphasis on seismic noise monitoring. A central goal is the development of innovative approaches to evaluate and predict the stability of steep glaciers, which constitute a serious natural hazard in Alpine regions.

The ideal candidate is highly motivated, has a background in geophysics, physics, applied mathematics, earth sciences, or engineering, and is familiar with numerical methods for analyzing geophysical data. She/he will collaborate with seismologists at the Swiss Seismological Service and ETH’s Geophysical Institute to implement existing and develop new techniques for seismic noise analysis. The planned fieldwork requires a good physical shape; mountaineering skills would be a plus. The working language is preferably German, but English is also possible; knowledge of German would be an asset in any case. The expected starting date is summer 2015.