WSL – Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research 
Davos, Switzerland Offer Summary
The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) in Davos, Switzerland, is recruiting a full-time PhD Student starting January 2027. This position supports the Alpine Remote Sensing group within the CERC research center, focusing on large deep-seated landslides in the Southern Swiss Alps. The role involves developing methodologies using field work, monitoring, remote sensing, and numerical modeling to analyze landslide evolution and hazard scenarios. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in engineering or natural sciences with expertise in mass movements, satellite radar interferometry, and programming. Excellent English skills are required, while Italian proficiency is advantageous for collaboration with SUPSI and local authorities. The student will primarily work at SLF Davos but also spend time at SUPSI Mendrisio and in Canton Ticino. Applications should be submitted via the online portal by Ivana Bohac.
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Project Description
The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and thus of the ETH Domain. WSL focuses on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards. WSL employs approximately 600 people, of whom 180 work at SLF in Davos.
PhD Student 100% (f/m/d)
For our research center "Climate Change, Extreme Events and Natural Hazards in the Alpine Region - CERC", which was founded as part of the SLF in Davos, we are seeking for the Alpine Remote Sensing group as of January 2027 a
As part of a research agreement between WSL/SLF and Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana (SUPSI), with the support of the UPIP Canton Ticino, the student will work on the development, test, and implementation of new methodologies to investigate large deep-seated landslides in the Southern Swiss Alps. The focus will be on the analysis of two landslide sites, where a combination of field work, monitoring, remote sensing, and numerical modelling will be used to better understand mass movement spatial and temporal evolution. The results are expected to provide potential hazard scenarios and to help cantonal authorities to better define potential countermeasures for the protection of infrastructures and population,
The student will be mainly based at SLF in Davos, however, several periods of work in the SUPSI Campus in Mendrisio as well as field work in Canton Ticino are expected. The main supervisor of the PhD Thesis will be PD Dr. Andrea Manconi (ETH, D-EAPS).
You have a master’s degree in engineering or natural sciences. You have excellent skills in mass movements investigation, remote sensing, field work, and on handling large data sets. You have previous experience in satellite radar interferometry and programming. You have a very good command of English and enjoy working independently. Italian language is an important asset due to the interaction with SUPSI and cantonal authorities in Ticino.
Please send your complete application to Ivana Bohac, Human Resources SLF, by submitting the requested documents via our application portal. Applications sent by e-mail or by post will not be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Manconi (andrea.manconi@slf.ch). WSL aims to increase the proportion of women, so qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Flüelastrasse 11, CH-7260 Davos Dorf
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