Fully Funded PhD Position in Snow Water Equivalent Sensor Development at WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Switzerland (2026)
The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Switzerland, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD Position in Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) Innovative Sensor Development. This exciting doctoral opportunity combines snow hydrology, environmental monitoring, sensor technology, particle physics, and alpine field research within the framework of the Swiss National Competence Center Muoniverse.
The position is based in Davos, Switzerland, one of the world's leading centers for snow and avalanche research.
About WSL-SLF
The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and belongs to the prestigious ETH Domain.
WSL conducts internationally recognized research on:
- Climate change
- Snow science
- Hydrology
- Natural hazards
- Forest ecosystems
- Sustainable environmental management
The SLF campus in Davos employs approximately 180 researchers, engineers, and technical staff dedicated to advancing knowledge of snow, avalanches, and mountain environments.
About the Research Group
The PhD position is hosted within the Snow Processes Group part of the Research Unit Snow and Atmosphere.
The group investigates:
- Snowpack dynamics
- Snowfall processes
- Snow transport
- Snow-atmosphere interactions
- Snow hydrology
- Cryosphere monitoring
Researchers use field measurements, modelling approaches, and innovative instrumentation to better understand snow processes in alpine environments.
About the Muoniverse Project
The project is funded by:
Muoniverse – Swiss National Competence Center
Muoniverse advances the application of muon science across multiple disciplines including:
- Particle physics
- Quantum materials
- Environmental monitoring
- Energy research
- Cultural heritage studies
This PhD project explores the use of cutting-edge muon detector technology to measure snow water equivalent in mountain environments.
Research Objectives
The successful PhD candidate will collaborate closely with Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) to validate and deploy advanced:
DMAPS Muon Sensors for measuring:
- Snow Water Equivalent (SWE)
- Snowpack variability
- Snow accumulation
- Snow redistribution
- Snowmelt processes
The project aims to develop innovative monitoring techniques that improve our understanding of mountain snowpack dynamics.
Initial Validation Phase
Research will begin at the internationally renowned Weissfluhjoch Test Site near Davos.
The candidate will compare muon sensor measurements with established snow monitoring techniques including:
- Automated snow scales
- Snow profiles
- Snow Micro Penetrometer (SMP) measurements
- Manual snow observations
The goal is to validate the performance of the new sensor technology under real alpine conditions.
Snow Dynamics Research
After validation, the researcher will deploy multiple sensors to investigate Small-Scale Snow Water Equivalent Variability
Research topics include:
- Snow redistribution by wind
- Snow accumulation patterns
- Snowmelt processes
- Snowpack loss events
- Terrain-driven variability
The project will generate unique high-resolution datasets for understanding snow dynamics in complex mountain landscapes.
Fieldwork in Alpine Terrain
A major component of the project involves extensive fieldwork. The researcher will:
- Conduct winter field campaigns
- Perform high-frequency snow sampling
- Install and maintain sensors
- Collect validation measurements
- Work in challenging alpine environments
Candidates should be enthusiastic about outdoor research and mountain environments.
Candidate Requirements
Essential Qualification
Applicants should possess Master's degree in:
- Environmental Science
- Physics
- Engineering
- Geosciences
- Hydrology
- Earth Sciences
- Or a related discipline
Required Skills
Experimental Research Experience
Candidates should have experience with:
- Field measurements
- Instrumentation
- Environmental monitoring
- Experimental data collection
Programming Skills
Strong knowledge of: Python or another high-level programming language is required.
Data Analysis
Experience handling:
- Large datasets
- Environmental observations
- Scientific data processing
is essential.
Desirable Qualifications
Additional experience in any of the following areas is advantageous:
- Snow hydrology
- Cryosphere science
- Snow monitoring
- Particle physics instrumentation
- Environmental sensor development
- Geophysical measurements
Personal Attributes
The successful applicant should demonstrate:
- Independence
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong analytical thinking
- Ability to work in harsh winter conditions
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of German is considered beneficial but is not mandatory.
Research Collaboration
The project offers collaboration with leading scientists from WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) and Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
This provides access to expertise in:
- Snow science
- Environmental monitoring
- Sensor development
- Particle physics applications
The interdisciplinary nature of the project creates unique opportunities for scientific networking and career development.
Why This PhD Is Unique
This position combines several highly innovative fields:
- Snow hydrology
- Cryosphere science
- Sensor technology
- Particle physics
- Environmental monitoring
- Mountain research
The use of muon detector technology for snow monitoring represents a novel and rapidly developing research area with significant scientific and practical applications.
Working Environment
Researchers will benefit from:
- World-class snow research facilities
- Access to long-term monitoring stations
- International collaborations
- Advanced scientific infrastructure
- Supportive interdisciplinary research teams
Davos is globally recognized as one of the leading locations for cryosphere and mountain research.
Living in Davos, Switzerland
Davos offers an exceptional quality of life and direct access to the Swiss Alps.
Researchers can enjoy:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Alpine climbing
while working in one of Europe's most prestigious environmental research institutions.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their complete application through the official WSL online application portal.
Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Required documents typically include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree Certificates
- Relevant Supporting Documents
APPLY HERE: WSL Online Application Portal
Contact Information
For scientific inquiries, applicants may contact:
WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF
Phone: +41 (0)81 417 02 65
For application-related questions:
Human Resources, SLF
Why You Should Apply
This PhD project provides an exceptional opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Climate science
- Snow hydrology
- Advanced sensor technology
- Particle physics
- Environmental monitoring
Researchers interested in cryosphere science, mountain environments, and innovative measurement technologies will find this position particularly attractive.
The combination of fieldwork, technology development, and international collaboration makes this one of the most distinctive PhD opportunities currently available in environmental sciences.
Comments
Post a Comment