PhD Position in Regional Scale Runout Modelling

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Engineering Geology Group (Prof. Dr Jordan Aaron, Geological Institute) is looking for a creative and motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in landslide hazard analysis. The research project is part of a large international collaboration led by GNS Science (Dr. Saskia de Vilder), and includes a diverse and international team of landslide experts.  The position is expected to start in June 2024 and is fully funded for 4 years.

Project background

Landslides are one of Aotearoa’s most deadly and costly natural hazards, and climate change is likely to change the associated risks. To increase the resilience of Aotearoa to landslide-induced disasters, we need robust decision-relevant information that can be applied nationally and allows people, businesses, and communities to respond and adapt to this hazard. To address this challenge, the Hōretireti Whenua / Sliding Lands Endeavour program is developing integrated new probabilistic and scenario-based, nationally applicable, landslide hazard and risk models that can incorporate climate change scenarios. This will involve integrating: 1) probabilistic models of landslide susceptibility considering earthquakes and precipitation, 2) landslide runout models considering diverse landslide types, 3) the multi-hazard risk modeling tool (RiskScape) to integrate hazard and vulnerability model components into forecast models, and 4) the MERIT Tool to quantify the socio-economic impact of landslide hazards. 

A critical aspect of landslide risk analysis is runout modeling (item 2 above). To create nationally applicable landslide hazard and risk models, the runout models need to be integrated into landslide susceptibility outputs and provide the necessary information for vulnerability and fragility analysis. However, this requires developing landslide runout models that can be applied at large spatial scales, which has been previously difficult due to high computational costs.

Job description

This PhD project will apply ORIN-3D, a physically-based runout model that uses GPU computing to decrease model run times by two orders of magnitude, at a regional scale.  Orin3D is a depth-averaged, Lagrangian model that solves the equations of motion using smooth particle hydrodynamics. In this project, the PhD student will develop a GIS-based regional-scale modeling framework that allows the model to be calibrated, validated, and applied at large spatial scales.  This framework will integrate multiple landslide types and sizes, and include robust quantification of uncertainty integrated into the model outputs. In particular, probabilistic estimates of debris height and debris velocity will be obtained, and directly used for vulnerability and fragility analysis.  The PhD student will incorporate landslide inventory datasets from New Zealand, including the landslides generated during the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake and the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle storm event. As part of the PhD, there is funding provided to travel to New Zealand and work with the NZ research team, and the project will be integrated into a large research programme. 

Your profile

• MSc in Engineering Geology, Earth Sciences, Geological Engineering, Geography, Geophysics, or related fields
• Strong interest in landslide hazard analysis
• Strong knowledge of GIS
• Interest in numerical modelling
• Knowledge of programming in Python is considered an asset
• A strong interest in and willingness to travel to New Zealand

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

We are an enthusiastic and collaborative research group with many opportunities for multi-disciplinary cutting-edge research in engineering geology. There are significant opportunities to broaden your research interests and develop your academic career. We further offer training in teaching through teaching assistantships, as well as access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, laboratories, and research equipment.

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A brief cover letter summarizing your motivation to apply for the position
• Your CV
• Transcripts
• The contact details of two references

The application deadline for this position is January 15, 2024.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Department of Earth Sciences can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Jordan Aaron, Email: [email protected] (no applications). 

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.