The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF in Davos, Switzerland, invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research position in Snow Isotope Modelling. The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and is located within the Snow Physics Group of the Research Unit Snow and Atmosphere.
Project Context: Airborne Snow Metamorphism & Isotope Records
Snow physics and polar cryosphere processes are crucial for understanding Earth’s climate feedbacks and hydrological cycles. This research project investigates airborne snow metamorphism (ASM)—a process occurring when wind transports snow particles through the atmosphere. The project aims to quantify how wind-driven snow movement alters snow microstructure, energy balance, and stable water isotope signals stored in polar ice and snowpack records. Key research areas include:
- Integrating newly developed physical parameterizations into the coupled atmosphere-snow model CRYOWRF.
- Executing high-resolution numerical simulations to model stable water isotopes in polar environments.
- Evaluating snow microstructure evolution and mass balance dynamics across polar ice sheets.
Position Details & Remuneration
- Duration: 2 years full-time postdoctoral contract.
- Location: SLF in Davos, Graubünden, Switzerland.
- Host Institute: WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF (ETH Domain).
- Stipend/Salary: Standard Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) postdoctoral salary scale with comprehensive social benefits.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, Environmental Engineering, Climate Science, Physical Geography, or related quantitative fields.
- Proven expertise in numerical modeling, scientific programming (Fortran, C++, Python, or R), and high-performance computing.
- Experience or strong interest in snow physics, polar research, or mesoscale atmospheric models.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official WSL recruitment portal. Please upload a motivation letter, CV, university transcripts, and contact information for academic references. For further inquiries, contact Dr. Benjamin Walter (Snow Physics Group).