PhD position to investigate the coevolution of topography and vegetation at EPFL

[sara.bonetti.1]

Dear all,

The Catchment Hydrology and Geomorphology Lab (CHANGE) at EPFL in Sion is looking for a PhD student to investigate the coevolution of topography and vegetation under variable climate. Feedbacks among vegetation, topographic development, and pedogenesis affect the hydrologic, biogeochemical, and sediment cycles. Quantifying such feedbacks is key to understand and predict catchment responses to climatic and anthropogenic changes. The selected PhD candidate will have the opportunity to further current understanding in this field through a combination of data analysis, fieldwork, and modeling.

CHANGE is a new EPFL laboratory (opening in Sept. 2022) which will seek to improve current understanding and forecasting capabilities of multiple catchment processes both in natural and managed ecosystems. The main research themes of the Lab will include: (i) landscape evolution dynamics, (ii) ecohydrological modeling; (iii) sustainable use of soil and water resources; and (iv) coupled natural-human dynamics. CHANGE is part of EPFL’s new Alpine and Polar Environmental Research Center (ALPOLE) in Sion.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

• Perform original research in the area of ecohydrology/geomorphology.
• Lead and contribute to publications for high-impact journals.
• Contribute to broad Lab activities (including co-supervision of MSc students).

Profile:

• A MSc in Environmental Sciences, Physics, or Engineering.
• Strong interest in catchment hydrology and/or geomorphology.
• Hands-on experience with numerical modeling and analysis of large datasets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Creative, enthusiastic, and willing to learn.
• Self-motivated and have a sense for scientific novelty.
• Experience with scientific writing is valued.

We offer:

• A stimulating and international working environment in the new EPFL-Valais campus in Sion.
• Competitive salary and excellent educational conditions.
• Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe.

Start date: Fall 2022 or early 2023 (start date is negotiable).

Work rate: 100%

Duration: 1-year fixed-term contract, renewable for 4 years according to EPFL rules

Contact/Apply: Interested applicants should send the following documents (preferably in a single pdf) to sara.b...@epfl.ch:

• A brief CV and contact details of 2-3 references
• A brief letter of motivation/interest in the project
• Grades from master and bachelor studies

Screening will start on Sept. 15th. Note that, to be eligible for a PhD at EPFL, you will also need to apply to the Doctoral Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE).

Link to job post: https://www.epfl.ch/about/working/phd-position-to-investigate-the-coevolution-of-topography-and-vegetation/