Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.
The Mountain Hydrology and Mass Movements research unit develops principles for sustainable water management and investigates flood and torrential processes in predominantly mountainous regions. For the GLORI-A (Global-to- Regional ICON Alpine Twin) initiative we are looking for a qualified candidate, starting in January 2025 or upon agreement, as a
Scientist in Digital Twins for Flood Forecasting in Alpine Space 80 - 100%(f/m/d)
As part of the GLORI-A (Global-to-Regional ICON Alpine Twin) initiative MeteoSwiss is developing a digital twin of the earth weather system with increased resolution over the Alpine region. GLORI-A will advance modelling science and technology to increase horizontal resolution of weather forecasts and to provide user-tailored data in case of floods. WSL will support MeteoSwiss in estimating added values of on-demand weather-forecast for anticipation of impactful floods in the Alps. In this position you will work on the interface between a configurable Digital Twin of the European Alps and hydrological impact models for Switzerland. You develop interfaces between tailored weather forecasts and an ensemble of hydrological models used in Switzerland. You translate your finding into real-world applications for our stakeholders. Last but not least you like publish your outcomes in scientific journals. Your workplace will be equally shared between WSL (Birmensdorf) and MeteoSwiss (Zurich Airport) and you will work at the interface between two well acknowledged small teams. As part of the project, you will be co- responsible of a PhD student at WSL.
You have a doctoral degree with some years of Postdoc experience in natural sciences and experience in hydrometeorological and environmental modelling as well as an in-depth knowledge of applied data sciences and processing of Big Data. You are interested in flood hazard research with operational hydrometeorological forecasting chains. Furthermore, you have a background in the use and application of weather and hydrological model output, with strong expertise and experience in programming (R, Python) and in the application of statistical and probabilistic forecasts. Experiences with the development of user-friendly Web based applications in consultation with end-users and stakeholders is a plus. The ability to work independently, conceptually, and precisely as well as flexibility and willingness to perform are among your strengths, as well as good communication skills and cooperation in an international and dynamic research team. You are fluent in English and have according to your career stage an above average publication record.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL by uploading the documents via our website. Applications via email will not be considered. Dr Massimiliano Zappa will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.