PostDoc position: Seamless coupling of kilometer-resolution weather predictions and climate simulations with hail impact assessments: Modeling hail damage to buildings and cars

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100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We invite applications for a 4-yr PostDoc position within the SNF Sinergia Project “scClim - Seamless coupling of kilometer-resolution weather predictions and climate simulations with hail impact assessments for multiple sectors”.

Project background

The main goal of this interdisciplinary project is to establish a seamless model chain from the simulation of thunderstorms to the quantification of hail impacts in Switzerland and thereby contribute to reducing the socio-economic impacts of weather phenomena in a changing climate.

Job description

The PostDoc will be working at the interface of physical weather and climate modeling and the socio-economic outcomes of extreme weather events. The candidate will lead a subproject and co-supervise a PhD student. The project uses data from state-of-the-art convection-permitting climate simulations, latest numerical weather prediction models, and radar-based hail observations as well as damage information to quantify current and future hail risk in Switzerland using the open-source, Python-based impact modeling platform CLIMADA. Together with the PhD student, he or she will explore the exposure and vulnerabilities of infrastructure to hail to derive vulnerability functions, expanding the CLIMADA platform to integrate the probabilistic quantification of sector-specific hail risks. In a second part, and based on the newly developed model components, the integration of CLIMADA into operational, impact-based warning systems aiming to provide sector-specific information to users will be prototyped. The PostDoc will co-lead the stakeholder engagement of scClim, for scientists and public as well as private sector representatives to closely collaborate in the creation of joint knowledge leading to long-lasting impact on the understanding and management of hail risk in Switzerland and beyond. We therefore seek a candidate who is highly motivated to work in such an environment of inter-and transdisciplinary spirit.

Your profile

Requirements are a PhD degree in atmospheric, climate, or environmental science, but applications from other relevant backgrounds such as climate/environmental economics and/or industry experience with demonstrated knowledge of natural hazard or climate impact modeling are welcome. Besides being enthusiastic about climate and climate impact research, applicants should have a strong quantitative background. Solid Python and OOP programming skills and willingness to contribute to open-source development are required. Familiarity with risk concepts and the ability to work and communicate effectively across disciplines are desired. Applicants are expected to be fluent in English, proficiency in German, French or Italian is a plus.

We offer

The first starting date is 01.03.2022 and the position (100% working contract, salary follows ETH regulations) is available for a duration of four years. Primary office location will be at the premises of the Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss at Zurich airport, secondary at ETH Zurich in the city centre.

ETH Zurich

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