PhD position in "Large-Scale In-Situ Experiments on Glacier Ice Rheology and Thermodynamics" (funded for 4 years)

Department of Geography

PhD position in "Large-Scale In-Situ Experiments on Glacier Ice Rheology and Thermodynamics" (funded for 4 years) 80 %

Start of employment upon agreement

Within the framework of the project "Large-Scale In-Situ Experiments on Rheology and Thermodynamics" (LISERT) we are pleased to offer a PhD position for 4 years at the University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) and is a collaborative effort of several research institutions to understand the rheology of temperate glacier ice.

The project employs a combination of in-situ measurements on a glacier, structure-geological analysis, numerical modeling and theoretical developments to investigate how glacier ice deforms under active forcing at the scale of meters. With complementary studies the glacier dynamical and structural context is mapped with multi-spectral and thermal sensors on drones and analyzed with glacier flow models of different complexity. This work is performed in close collaboration with scientists from the University of Oxford and LMU Munich.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the glaciology group at the University of Zurich.

Your responsibilities

• Active contribution to the design, development and implementation of the field experiments.
• Analysis of datasets from field experiments.
• Application and adaptation of numerical models of ice flow and crystal texture evolution.
• Active participation in the field work on a glacier, including week-long field camps.
• Collaboration with PhDs and Postdocs of related projects.
• Writing of high-quality publications.

Your profile

• Fascinated by large-scale dynamic processes in the mountains.
• MSc in glaciology, structural geology, applied geophysics, (computational) mechanics or (computational) geosciences.
• Background in solid/fluid/continuum mechanics
• Experience with numerical modeling (e.g. finite elements, finite differences, particle models).
• Good programming knowledge with e.g. Python, Matlab, Julia, C++ or similar languages.
• Mountaineering skills such as glacier travel, backcountry skiing and expedition camping.
• Team player with the ability to work independently, and with excellent communication capabilities as she/he will collaborate with PhDs and postdocs of related projects.
• Excellent written and spoken English and strong scientific writing skills.
• Teamwork, scientific communication and organizational skills.

Information on your

The University of Zurich provides an international, English-speaking research environment with excellent infrastructure and strong interdisciplinary links. You will be part of the Graduate School of the Department of Geography and be member of the Glaciology and Geomorphodynamics Group (3G). We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful working environment. The PhD will be supervised by Dr. Martin Lüthi and Dr. Claudia Röösli.

Applications should include a cover letter, your Curriculum Vitae, and transcripts.

For general information on the department and research groups, please follow the link www.geo.uzh.ch .

Location

Department of Geography

Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

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