Postdoctoral Position Climate Extremes’ Storyline "Heat and Health

The new NCCRCLIM+ programme invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position in the Climate Extremes’ Storyline "Heat and Health" at ETH Zurich.

The NCCR CLIM+ is a new National Center of Competence in Research that establishes the first fully interdisciplinary, Switzerland-wide climate research community. NCCR CLIM+ aims to tackle pressing issues related to climate extremes such as heatwaves, floods, heavy rainfalls, droughts, wildfires, and further compound events. The research programme will interact with stakeholders ranging from public health to finance, agriculture, and water management to produce actionable solutions related to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Further information about NCCR CLIM+ can be found on our website.

To facilitate cross-disciplinary communication and stakeholder engagement, NCCR CLIM+ will develop storylines of plausible futures encompassing the physical and social dimensions of extreme climate outcomes. The storylines offer narratives that allow our interdisciplinary research team to carefully assess co-benefits and trade-offs in the transformation towards a climate‑resilient society.

The Postdoctoral Fellow for the Storyline “Heat and Health” will be affiliated with Prof. Sonia Seneviratne at ETH Zurich. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with the research groups of Prof. Johanna Ziegel (ETH Zurich) and Prof. Ana Vicedo‑Cabrera (Uni Bern).

The main responsibilities will be as follows:

• Co‑develop a vision for one climate extreme storyline for Switzerland (heat and health), in collaboration with NCCR CLIM+ researchers
• Integrate cross‑disciplinary research related to the storyline from several work packages, research groups and institutions of NCCR CLIM+, ranging from natural climate models to the analysis of impacts, adaptation and mitigation measures
• Conduct interdisciplinary research at the interface between natural and social sciences and publish results in scientific and applied journals
• Initiate and actively promote cross‑cutting activities under the supervision of the storyline Lead PIs and Team of Directors, involving NCCR CLIM+ members across all levels and stakeholders across different sectors
• Interact and manage contacts with public and private stakeholders involved in the storyline
• Regularly exchange with other storyline postdocs, two storyline coordinators, and the postdoc dedicated to stakeholder engagement at the NCCR CLIM+ Management Center

This position is particularly attractive for postdocs aiming for a career at the interface between science, policy and society.

The position is funded for a duration of 3.5 years; the contract term is one year at a time, with the option of renewal.

• PhD in climate science, environmental science, environmental epidemiology, public health or a related field
• Interest and experience in studying the relation between heat and health, climate extremes and society
• Experience in research coordination, science integration, policy development and/or stakeholder engagement is a plus
• Integrative personality with interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work at the interface of climate science, social science and health
• Knowledge of the landscape of stakeholders in Switzerland related to heat and health
• Ability to speak the language of different scientific disciplines and of stakeholders, and to connect both worlds through engaging and enriching conversations
• Sense of responsibility, quick learner, ability to take initiative, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, team player
• Curious, creative and tolerant to uncertainty as the storyline needs to be defined and further developed over time
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of German and/or French is of strong advantage (written and spoken)
• Willingness to commute to different work places (ETH Zurich, Uni Bern and other places)

• A job with impact
  : NCCR CLIM+ supports your professional development and contributes to positive change in society
• Flexible working conditions in an inspiring, international research environment
• Varied tasks at the interface of science, policy and society
• An engaged and supportive team
• Conferences, workshops and training opportunities
  
  Opportunities to expand your network and gain valuable experience in academic leadership and project development

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future.