Overview 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 group is looking for a candidate to start in December 2025 or by agreement as a PhD student in Sustainable Hydraulic Structures in Torrents (f / m / d).
You will investigate the interaction of bedload and large wood in sediment retention basins (sediment traps). 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 or French and present them at international scientific conferences in English as well as practitioner meetings in German or French.
Responsibilities Investigate the interaction of bedload and large wood in sediment retention basins (sediment traps).
Develop design recommendations that ensure sediment continuity during small floods and robust retention of bedload and wood during large floods and overload scenarios.
Carry out field measurements at selected sediment traps to characterize flow, bedload, and wood transport processes.
Conduct laboratory experiments at the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) at ETH Zurich to study the mechanical retention of wood and sediment at racks, nets, and guiding structures, and to examine the functioning of the complete sediment trap system under various flood scenarios.
Combine field data and laboratory experiments to derive robust and transferable design principles.
Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals (English) and a practice‑oriented report (German or French); present at international conferences (English) and practitioner meetings (German or French).
Qualifications Master’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a similar field of engineering.
Curious, dedicated, and interested in both practical hydraulic engineering issues and detailed sediment and wood transport processes.
Willingness to engage in both laboratory and field work.
Fluent in English with a minimum B2 level of German or French.
Basic programming skills (e.g., Python and/or MATLAB).
Workplace and main supervisor at WSL in Birmensdorf (approx. 20 minutes outside of Zurich); enrolled as a doctoral student at ETH Zurich (Chair of Hydraulic Engineering, Prof. Robert Boes) and closely collaborating with the River Engineering group at the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW).
Application Please send your complete application consisting of a motivation letter, CV, 2 references, and existing diplomas to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. For questions or further information, contact Dr. Isabella Schalko (isabella.schalko@wsl.ch). WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.
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