📍 Location: Zurich, Switzerland
📌 Position Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term (Doctoral Position)
📅 Start Date: Summer or Autumn 2025
Are you passionate about remote sensing, snow and ice dynamics, and Earth observation technologies? ETH Zurich is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in the field of cryosphere research using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This prestigious doctoral position is hosted by the Institute of Environmental Engineering (IFU) at one of the world’s top technical universities.
🌍 About the Project: Remote Sensing of Snow & Ice with SAR
This PhD project focuses on using multi-modal high-frequency SAR data to analyze and monitor snow and glacier behavior in the cryosphere. The research is structured around two primary themes:
1️⃣ Glacier Elevation Change & Mass Balance Estimation
- Generate time series of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) using SAR interferometry
- Quantify large-scale glacier and ice sheet volume changes
- Estimate glacier mass balance using spatial-temporal datasets
- Apply validated methods to new geographic locations and time frames
2️⃣ Glacier Crevasse Detection & Ice Dynamics
- Develop cutting-edge techniques for crevasse identification using high-resolution SAR
- Explore SAR modes including polarimetry, interferometry, and tomography
- Integrate airborne and satellite SAR data for advanced cryosphere research
This interdisciplinary project includes access to:
- International snow and glacier test sites
- Ground validation datasets
- Collaborations with global experts in remote sensing and climate science
🎓 Eligibility & Candidate Requirements
ETH Zurich is looking for an enthusiastic and skilled researcher with the following qualifications:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Geomatics, Geophysics, Computational Science, Physics, or a related technical field
- Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, or similar languages
- Experience in remote sensing, SAR, large-scale data processing, or snow/ice modeling is advantageous
- Excellent English communication skills (both written and spoken)
- Possession of a valid European Category B driving license
🌟 Why Join ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich offers a vibrant and inclusive research environment with:
- Access to world-class facilities and expert mentorship
- A collaborative, international team culture
- Equal opportunity policies promoting diversity and innovation
- Strong support for doctoral researchers in academic and career development
📥 How to Apply
To apply for this exciting PhD opportunity in remote sensing at ETH Zurich, submit your complete application online via the official ETH Zurich career portal. Email applications will not be accepted.
Your application should include:
- A cover letter detailing your motivation and relevant experience
- Your updated CV
- Copies of academic transcripts (including ongoing coursework)
- A PDF version of your Master’s thesis
- Contact details of two academic references
For further inquiries (not applications), you may contact Prof. Irena Hajnsek at:
📧 ihajnsek@ethz.ch
🏫 About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is globally recognized as a leader in science, engineering, and innovation. With over 30,000 students and staff from more than 120 countries, ETH Zurich is dedicated to solving real-world challenges through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration. From its base in Zurich, Switzerland, the university contributes to sustainable global development with local impact.