Postdoctoral Position in Hydrological Modelling and Analysis

The Chair of Hydrology and Water Resources Management (HYD) in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG) of ETH Zurich invites applications for a 1-year Postdoctoral position in the general area of hydrological modelling and hydrosystems analysis. This is a full-time position with an anticipated start on 1 June 2024, limited to 1 year. The position is based on the Hoenggerberg Campus, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.

The HYD group conducts research on hydrological process understanding and its translation into engineering solutions in water resources management, using in-house developed numerical methods and models, addressing topics such as climate change impacts on water resources, sediment budgets and natural hazards, urban and eco hydrology, the water-energy-food-environment nexus, and others. The successful candidate will join an established research team and have a unique opportunity to contribute to and co-lead some of these research activities. This postdoctoral position is not tied to a specific project. We are looking to combine the scientific strengths and interests of the candidate with the existing research activities of the Chair, and to offer an opportunity for advanced professional development in hydrological modelling as well as science and education leadership. You can learn more about the HYD group research activities here.

As a postdoctoral researcher, your responsibilities will include:

• Co-leading the user-oriented activities of the distributed physically-based watershed model Topkapi-ETH and the weather generator AWE-GEN-2D, and the development of application examples and integration of the model/s into research and student projects. This activity will involve coding.
• Coordinating the various climate change impact research activities of the group related to hydrological modelling and hydrosystems analysis. Developing research on climatic extremes, e.g. precipitation extremes, heatwaves, droughts, and their ecosystem-related consequences. In this activity, the personal interests of the candidate can be applied.
• Teaching the Water Resources Management class in the Environmental Engineering Master program (existing course, 3 ECTS), and general assistance with education activities of the Chair, e.g. supervising PhD, Master, and/or Bachelor students, organizing seminars, etc.
• Actively participating in science dissemination efforts, such as publishing scientific papers, presenting at conferences, and scientific outreach. The candidate will be expected to submit their own scientific research proposals to pursue their academic career.

To be considered for this position, you should meet the following qualifications:

• A PhD in a relevant field (e.g., environmental engineering, environmental science, geoscience), and a proven track record of top-level research with a focus on hydrology and water resources.
• Demonstrated strengths and experience in numerical modelling and coding (e.g. Python, R, Matlab, Fortran), and advanced data analysis methods.
• Ability and interest to lead junior scientists and PhDs, ability to work collaboratively on a diverse and multi-national team.  
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

Joining our research team offers a stimulating and collaborative environment, with a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth and interaction with international experts in the field of hydrology at ETH and beyond (EAWAG, WSL). The position is full-time (100%) and is limited to 1 year. The candidate will be given time to prepare applications to other early career funding opportunities in Switzerland (e.g. SNF) and elsewhere, to follow up this Postdoc.

We offer world-class research infrastructure and excellent working conditions guided by our common understanding of a supportive shared work culture. We offer a high level of autonomy to develop your skills as an independent researcher, and opportunities to work with a diverse, motivated, and multi-cultural team in a creative research environment.

Your workplace: ETH Hoenggerberg