Scientist in Rockfall Engineering

Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL

Organisation/Company Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL Research Field Engineering » Other Environmental science » Earth science Physics » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country Switzerland Final date to receive applications 4 Feb 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

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.

The Research Unit Alpine Environments and Natural Hazards and the “Climate Change, Extremes and Natural Hazards in Alpine Regions Research Centre CERC”, at SLF in Davos are offering a new tenure track position for a

Scientist in Rockfall Engineering 80-100% (f/m/d)

As a Rockfall Engineering Scientist, you will advance the understanding of rockfall processes, including contact mechanics, energy dissipation, fragmentation, and interactions with different forest types and technical mitigation measures. Your research will strengthen hazard assessment and risk mitigation by enhancing rockfall protection strategies and optimizing natural hazard management in the context of global change.
You will develop innovative research projects, secure third-party funding, and lead studies both independently and in collaboration with implementation partners and researchers within and beyond WSL. Your role will also involve supervising students, publishing in scientific and applied journals, presenting at leading conferences, and contributing to the practical application of your findings. Through these efforts, you will play a key role in shaping the future of rockfall research on both national and international level.

You have a strong background in Engineering, Geophysics, Geosciences, or a related field and hold a PhD in one of these disciplines—or possess substantial research experience. You thrive in multidisciplinary teams and excel at collaborating with practitioners. Practical experience in site investigations, field instrumentation, rockfall protection design, or industry partnerships is highly desirable.
Please send your complete application to Clemens Güdel, Human Resources SLF, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Prof. Dr. Johan Gaume, Tel.  82 & johan.gaume , as well Dr. Nadine Salzmann, phone  22, 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.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL Country Switzerland City Davos Dorf Postal Code 7260 Street Flüelastr. 11 Geofield