Researchers interested in snow physics, climate modelling, atmospheric sciences, and polar environmental processes can apply for a Postdoctoral Researcher position at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, a leading research institute specializing in snow, avalanches, climate interactions, and natural hazards. The position, titled PostDoc in Snow Isotope Modelling (80–100%, f/m/d), offers an opportunity to contribute to internationally relevant research on the role of snow processes in the Earth’s climate system. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and focuses on improving scientific understanding of how wind-driven snow processes influence the physical properties and isotope composition of polar snow. This research opportunity is particularly suitable for candidates with a PhD background in atmospheric sciences, physics, environmental engineering, or related disciplines who have experience in numerical modelling and climate-related research.

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About WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF

The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and belongs to the ETH Domain. The institute conducts internationally recognized research focused on:

• Sustainable environmental management
• Snow and climate interactions
• Natural hazard assessment
• Avalanche research
• Mountain ecosystems
• Climate adaptation strategies

The broader WSL organization employs approximately 600 researchers and professionals, with around 180 specialists working at SLF in Davos, Switzerland. SLF provides a highly interdisciplinary research environment where experimental science, field observations, and advanced computational modelling are combined to address challenges related to snow, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

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Research Area: Snow Isotope Modelling and Climate Processes

The selected Postdoctoral Researcher will join the Snow Physics Group within the Research Unit Snow and Atmosphere. The research unit investigates how snow interacts with both the hydrological and atmospheric systems across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Understanding these interactions is essential for improving climate models and predicting future environmental changes. The central research project investigates airborne snow metamorphism (ASM), a recently identified process that occurs when snow particles are transported through the atmosphere by wind. The project aims to understand how this process affects:

• Snow microstructure development
• Stable isotope signals in polar snow
• Energy balance in polar regions
• Mass exchange between snow surfaces and the atmosphere
• Interpretation of climate records stored in snow and ice

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Responsibilities and Research Tasks

The successful candidate will work on developing and improving numerical models that describe snow transformation processes during wind transport. Key responsibilities include:

Development of Snow Process Models

The researcher will create new model equations describing:

• Evolution of snow microstructure
• Changes in isotope composition
• Physical transformations during airborne snow transport

Model Integration

A major part of the project involves integrating newly developed parameterizations into the coupled atmosphere–snow model CRYOWRF.

Numerical Simulations

The researcher will conduct advanced simulations to evaluate how airborne snow metamorphism influences:

• Polar climate processes
• Snow energy balance
• Regional mass balance
• Isotope interpretation in polar environments

Scientific Collaboration

The position includes collaboration with international research partners and publication of findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

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Eligibility Criteria and Required Qualifications

Applicants should meet the following academic and technical requirements:

Educational Background

A completed PhD degree in one of the following areas is required:

• Atmospheric sciences
• Physics
• Environmental engineering
• Climate science
• Related scientific disciplines

Technical Skills

Candidates should have:

• Strong experience with numerical modelling
• Good programming abilities
• Experience with scientific data analysis
• Knowledge of process parameterization techniques

Preferred Experience

The following expertise is highly desirable:

• Snow or climate modelling
• Polar research
• Atmospheric processes
• Environmental simulations
• Interpretation of experimental and field datasets

Language Requirements

• Excellent English communication skills are essential
• Knowledge of German is beneficial but not mandatory

Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment connecting laboratory experiments, field observations, and computational modelling.

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Employment Benefits and Research Environment

The PostDoc position provides an opportunity to work in one of Europe’s leading research environments for snow and climate science. Researchers will benefit from:

• Participation in internationally recognized scientific projects
• Collaboration with experts in snow physics and atmospheric research
• Opportunities to publish scientific findings
• Experience with advanced climate modelling systems
• A diverse and inclusive workplace culture

WSL is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and actively promotes an open research environment where researchers from different backgrounds can contribute. Snow plays a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate system. Changes in snow properties influence water availability, energy exchange, and climate feedback mechanisms. By studying airborne snow metamorphism and isotope modelling, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of polar environments and improves the accuracy of climate models used to study future climate scenarios. For researchers seeking a career in atmospheric science, climate modelling, and polar research, this PostDoc position at SLF represents an opportunity to contribute to high-impact environmental science.

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How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

1. Motivation letter
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Educational transcripts
4. Applications must be submitted through APPLY NOW Applications sent by email will not be considered. 
5. For additional information about the position, applicants may contact: Benjamin Walter Phone: +41 (0)81 4170 367 Human Resources contact: Clemens Güdel, Human Resources SLF

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the WSL SLF PostDoc in Snow Isotope Modelling about?

The position focuses on studying how airborne snow metamorphism affects the physical structure and isotope composition of polar snow. The research combines snow physics, numerical modelling, and climate science.

2. Who is eligible to apply for this Postdoctoral position?

Candidates with a PhD in atmospheric sciences, physics, environmental engineering, climate science, or a related field are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have experience in numerical modelling and scientific programming.

3. How long is the PostDoc position at SLF?

The research position is a two-year Postdoctoral project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

4. What programming skills are required?

Applicants should have strong programming skills suitable for numerical simulations and scientific data analysis. Experience working with climate or snow models is an advantage.

5. Is previous snow research experience mandatory?

Previous experience with snow modelling, climate models, or snow physics is highly desirable but candidates with strong numerical modelling backgrounds may also be considered.

6. Is knowledge of German required?

No. Excellent English skills are required. German language skills are considered beneficial but are not mandatory.

7. Where is the research position located?

The position is based at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF in Davos, Switzerland.

8. What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must provide a motivation letter, CV, and educational transcripts through the official online application system.

9. Can applications be submitted by email?

No. Applications submitted through email will not be considered. Candidates must apply through the official webpage.

10. Why is snow isotope modelling important for climate research?

Snow isotope records provide valuable information about past and present climate conditions. Understanding snow transformation processes improves the interpretation of climate data and enhances climate model accuracy.