PhD Student – Landslide Remote Sensing (f/m/d)

About the role

The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and the ETH domain, is looking for a full-time PhD student (f/m/d) for its Alpine Remote Sensing group within the research centre CERC (Climate Change, Extreme Events and Natural Hazards in the Alpine Region). The position starts in January 2027.

The work is carried out under a research agreement between WSL/SLF and SUPSI, supported by the UPIP Canton Ticino. The student will develop, test and implement new methods to study large deep-seated landslides in the Southern Swiss Alps, focusing on two sites where field work, monitoring, remote sensing and numerical modelling will be combined to understand the spatial and temporal evolution of mass movements. Results are expected to give hazard scenarios and help cantonal authorities define countermeasures for protecting infrastructure and people.

The student will be mainly based at SLF in Davos, with several periods of work at the SUPSI campus in Mendrisio and field work in Canton Ticino. The main supervisor is PD Dr. Andrea Manconi (ETH, D-EAPS).

Required profile

• Master's degree in engineering or natural sciences
• Previous experience in satellite radar interferometry and programming
• Very good command of English; Italian is an important asset because of interaction with SUPSI and cantonal authorities in Ticino
• Ability to work independently

Required skills

• Excellent skills in investigating mass movements
• Remote sensing and field work
• Handling large data sets

Applications must be submitted through the online application portal; applications by e-mail or post will not be considered. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.