PhD Research Focus: OPISCOW Project

The PhD candidate will work on the OPISCOW Project – Origin, Prevalence, and Impact of Complex Structural Variation in cattle. This exciting research aims to:

• Estimate the de novo mutation rate of structural variants (SVs) in bovine genomes
• Utilize PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing on 50 parent-offspring trios
• Map data to a bovine telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly
• Build haplotype-resolved genome assemblies
• Contribute to the global bovine pangenome initiative

Key Responsibilities

As a PhD student in this genomics project, your role will include:

• Analyzing high-throughput long-read sequencing datasets
• Identifying and characterizing structural variants and mutation rates
• Performing genome assembly and sequence alignment
• Engaging in collaborative international research projects
• Presenting your findings in top journals and scientific conferences

Candidate Requirements

To qualify for this PhD program, applicants must have:

• A Master’s degree (MSc) in genomics, genetics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines
• Programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages
• Experience working with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters
• Strong interest in computational and statistical genomics
• Proficiency in English communication and scientific writing

Why Choose ETH Zurich?

ETH Zurich stands out as a global leader in research and education, offering:

• A world-class environment for genomics and data science
• Excellent research infrastructure and laboratory facilities
• A competitive PhD salary and comprehensive benefits
• A collaborative and inclusive research community
• Exceptional support for career development and publishing opportunities

Important Dates & Application Process

• Start Date: September 1, 2025 (flexible; earlier start possible)
• Application Review Begins: May 20, 2025
• PhD Duration: 4 years (fully funded)

How to Apply:

Submit the following documents through the official ETH Zurich application portal:

1. Motivation letter
2. Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
3. Academic transcripts and degree certificates
4. Contact details of two academic referees

Contact Information

For inquiries about the position (not for applications), reach out to:
Prof. Hubert Pausch
Email: hubert.pausch@usys.ethz.ch

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

ETH Zurich is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The university promotes diversity and cultivates an inclusive research culture where every individual can thrive and contribute to innovative science.

Research Focus: Climate Impacts on Swiss Agroecosystems

Are you driven by the challenges of climate change, remote sensing, and sustainable agriculture? This postdoctoral position offers the chance to work on:

• Quantifying climate impacts of Swiss farming systems from 2016 to the present
• Analyzing greenhouse gas emissions and water use in agriculture
• Combining satellite data, flux tower readings, and meteorological observations
• Delivering data-driven insights for sustainable land-use practices in Switzerland

Key Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

• Integrate remote sensing, micrometeorology, and flux data to assess environmental impacts
• Map and model farm management practices at both site and national levels
• Evaluate greenhouse gas emissions, water footprints, and land-use efficiency
• Collaborate with stakeholders and contribute to knowledge transfer
• Optionally support teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students

Candidate Requirements

To qualify for this prestigious opportunity, candidates must have:

• A Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, Remote Sensing, Micrometeorology, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in big data analytics, modeling, or statistical programming
• Strong written and spoken proficiency in English; German is an asset
• Experience working with stakeholders or interdisciplinary teams is highly desirable

Why Choose ETH Zurich?

• Work at a world-class institution known for impactful, interdisciplinary research
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and international collaboration networks
• Benefits include:
  • Public transport pass
  • On-campus childcare
  • Sports facilities
  • Generous pension plan
• Join a diverse, inclusive, and environmentally conscious academic community

Application Details

• Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (Full-time, Fixed-Term – 2 Years)
• Start Date: August 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: May 25, 2025
• Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Apply Online Only – Click here to submit your application
(Email applications will not be accepted)

Required Documents

• Motivation Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (including publication list)
• Academic Transcripts (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
• Contact Information for Two Academic Referees

Contact Information

For inquiries (not applications), please contact:

Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann
nina.buchmann@usys.ethz.ch

Location:

Position Type:

Start Date:

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:

1⃣ 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

2⃣ 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

Apply Online Now

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.