PhD student in Tectonic geomorphology

PhD student in Tectonic geomorphology

The Earth Surface Dynamics research group in the department of Earth Sciences at ETH Zurich is hiring a PhD student to study the feedbacks between landscape morphology and channel hydraulics in mountain rivers. This position is part of an SNF-funded project to study riverbed geometry in steep, boulder-mantled rivers. Using autonomous aerial vehicles and structure from motion photogammetry we will create 3D models of the channel, taking advantage of recent advances in 3D image segmentation techniques to automatically identify features such as individual clasts and bankfull channel geometry.

The position is within the Earth Surface Dynamics group of ETH. The ESD group seeks to understand the drivers and shapers of mountainous landscapes, untangling their tectonic, climatic and ecological histories by integrating field observations, geospatial analyses, and geochemical dating techniques supported by theoretical and modeling work.

You will be responsible for planning, conducting and interpreting results from field work. This includes:

• Developing a workflow for acquiring, processing and segmenting 3D channel models.
• Putting the data in context of the geology and geomorphology of the field sites.
• Interpreting observations in light of modern theories of bedrock river incision and landscape evolution.
• Communicating these findings at an international level through scientific papers and participation in international conferences.

The duration of the project is three years and will start fall 2022.

Excellent facilities in a relaxing work atmosphere with many opportunities for collaboration within and beyond the group. Our research team is multicultural, inclusive and shares an excitement for understanding the landscapes we all inhabit. English and German are the working languages of the institute and English is the working language of the research group.

You should have an excellent MSc degree with a background in geology, geophysics, engineering, or physics. While the exact project can be tailored to your skillset to some degree, experience with scientific programming and interest in bringing together a wide variety of data and techniques is highly valued. Experience working in the field is helpful. Proficiency in English is required.

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application no later than 15.07.2022 with the following documents:

• A short cover letter describing your interest and motivation for this PhD position
• CV (educational history and any publications, etc)
• BSc and/or MSc theses 
• Three references

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

For more information please reach out to the PI, Dr. Eric Deal; [email protected] (no applications).