PhD student Design of Sustainable Sediment Retention Basins

PhD student in the Design of Sustainable Sediment Retention Basins 100% (f/m/d)

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.

The Research Unit Mountain Hydrology and Mass Movements investigates water resources and natural hazard processes such as floods, droughts, and mass movements in mountainous regions and torrential catchments. The Torrents and Mass Movements research group is looking for a candidate to start in May 2026
or by agreement as a PhD student in the Design of Sustainable Sediment Retention Basins 100% (f/m/d).

You will investigate the interaction of bedload and large wood at sediment traps in torrents or mountain streams. The project aims to develop design recommendations that ensure sediment continuity during small floods, while guaranteeing a safe and robust retention of bedload and wood during large floods and overload scenarios. Your work will include field measurements at selected sediment traps to characterize the flow, bedload, and wood transport processes.

In addition, laboratory experiments will be conducted at the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), ETH Zurich, to study the mechanical retention of wood and sediment at racks, nets, and guiding structures, and the functioning of the complete sediment trap system under various flood scenarios. An important aspect of your work will be to combine field data and laboratory experiments to derive robust and transferable design principles.

You will publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals in English and a practice-oriented report in German and/or French and present them at international scientific conferences in English as well as during practitioner meetings in German and/or French.

For this position, you must hold a Master's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a similar field with good knowledge of fluvial hydraulics and sediment transport. You are curious, dedicated, and interested in both practical hydraulic engineering issues and detailed sediment and wood transport processes. With your practical commitment, you will be actively involved in laboratory and field work. You must be able communicate fluently in English and have preferably a B2 level of German or French.

Basic programming skills (e.g., Python and/or Matlab) are expected. Your workplace and main supervisor (Dr. Isabella Schalko) will be at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL in Birmensdorf (approx. 20 min outside of Zurich). At the same time, you will be enrolled as a doctoral student at ETH Zurich (Chair of hydraulic engineering, Prof. Robert Boes) and closely collaborate with the River Engineering group at the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW).

Please send your complete application consisting of a motivation letter, CV, a 1-page summary of your Master’s thesis, at least two reference persons, and your Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts to Lorena Cadosch, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Dr Isabella Schalko (isabella.schalko), 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.

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research is concerned with the use, development and protection of natural and urban spaces.