PhD Funded Position in Earth Observation and Remote Sensing at ETH Zurich, Switzerland
If you’re passionate about satellite technology, environmental monitoring, and climate science, this Doctoral Position in Earth Observation and Remote Sensing at ETH Zurich offers an outstanding opportunity to contribute to internationally recognized research.
ETH Zurich is inviting applications for a 100% full-time, fixed-term PhD position beginning in Autumn/Winter 2026. The successful candidate will join the Chair of Earth Observation and Remote Sensing within the Institute of Environmental Engineering and work on an ambitious project focused on multi-modal Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for monitoring rapid environmental changes across Arctic permafrost regions.
This research addresses one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time—understanding how climate change is transforming frozen landscapes and developing advanced satellite-based methods to monitor these changes on a large scale.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science, engineering, and technology.
With a community of more than 30,000 students, researchers, and staff from over 120 countries, the university is recognized for:
- Academic excellence
- Groundbreaking scientific research
- Innovation and technology transfer
- Global collaboration
- Addressing major societal and environmental challenges
Located in the heart of Europe, ETH Zurich continues to develop scientific solutions that shape a more sustainable future.
Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out
This doctoral position provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Earth Observation
- Remote Sensing
- Synthetic Aperture Radar
- Climate Change
- Arctic Research
- Geospatial Data Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence for Earth Systems
Graduates of this program will develop highly transferable expertise that is increasingly sought after in academia, government agencies, environmental organizations, and the global aerospace and geospatial industries.
Position Overview
| Position | Doctoral (PhD) Researcher |
|---|---|
| Employment | 100% Full-Time |
| Contract Type | Fixed-Term |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Institution | ETH Zurich |
| Department | Institute of Environmental Engineering |
| Research Area | Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Arctic Climate Research |
| Starting Period | Autumn/Winter 2026 |
About the Research Project
The doctoral research focuses on developing innovative methods and algorithms using multi-modal Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to estimate environmental parameters across Arctic regions.
As climate change accelerates, Arctic landscapes are undergoing rapid transformation. Monitoring these changes accurately is essential for protecting ecosystems, improving infrastructure planning, and understanding global climate processes.
The project combines remote sensing, satellite imaging, environmental engineering, and advanced signal processing to develop next-generation monitoring techniques.
Understanding Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an advanced active remote sensing technology capable of collecting high-resolution data regardless of weather conditions or daylight.
Unlike optical satellites, SAR systems can observe Earth’s surface through clouds and during polar darkness, making them especially valuable for monitoring remote Arctic environments.
SAR technology is widely used for:
- Measuring surface displacement
- Mapping topography
- Monitoring infrastructure stability
- Estimating bio-physical parameters
- Detecting environmental changes
- Observing frozen landscapes and permafrost dynamics
Focus on Arctic Permafrost Research
One of the project’s primary goals is to investigate Retrogressive Thaw Slumps (RTS).
These rapidly expanding landforms occur when ice-rich permafrost melts, causing the ground to collapse and exposing previously frozen soil.
RTS events have significant environmental consequences, including:
- Alteration of natural ecosystems
- Disruption of hydrological systems
- Damage to infrastructure
- Increased erosion
- Release of stored organic carbon
- Acceleration of global climate change through additional greenhouse gas emissions
Because many Arctic regions are inaccessible by land, satellite observations remain the most effective way to monitor these changes continuously.
Research Objectives
The successful PhD candidate will contribute to several important research activities.
These include:
Develop Advanced SAR Algorithms
Design and evaluate generic signal-processing methods for multi-modal SAR observations over Arctic environments.
The objective is to improve the estimation of environmental parameters from satellite data.
Analyze TanDEM-X Digital Elevation Models
A major component of the research involves analyzing TanDEM-X Difference Digital Elevation Models (DEMs).
These datasets will be used to detect and monitor Retrogressive Thaw Slumps across:
- Pan-Arctic regions
- Individual watersheds
- Local study areas
The research will help establish scalable methods for identifying landscape changes over time.
Process Long-Term Satellite Observations
The project utilizes one of the world’s most valuable radar satellite archives.
The primary dataset comes from the TanDEM-X German satellite mission, which has collected extensive observations over multiple years.
These long-term datasets provide an exceptional opportunity to study surface processes that have not yet been fully explored.
Advance Environmental Monitoring
The research outcomes are expected to improve large-scale monitoring of Arctic environments while supporting future climate research, hazard assessment, and environmental management.
Candidate Requirements
ETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated researcher with strong analytical and technical skills.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in one of the following disciplines:
- Electrical Engineering
- Geomatics Engineering
- Geophysics
- Physics
- Remote Sensing
- Environmental Engineering
- Or another closely related field
Candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds are also encouraged to apply if their experience aligns with the research objectives.
Preferred Technical Skills
Successful applicants should have knowledge or experience in:
- Digital signal processing
- Image processing
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
- Array signal processing
- Satellite remote sensing
- Environmental data analysis
Although previous SAR experience is advantageous, applicants with strong signal-processing backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.
Programming Skills
Applicants should have practical programming experience in one or more of the following languages:
- Python
- MATLAB
- C
- C++
Equivalent scientific programming languages are also acceptable.
The ability to design, implement, and evaluate signal-processing algorithms is an important aspect of the position.
Language and Additional Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Ability to work in an international and multidisciplinary research environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- A valid European Category B driver’s license
The driver’s license requirement supports field-related research activities when necessary.
Why Choose ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities in science, engineering, and technology.
As a doctoral researcher, you will benefit from:
- Access to internationally renowned researchers
- World-class laboratory and computing facilities
- Collaboration with leading experts in remote sensing and climate science
- Opportunities to publish in high-impact scientific journals
- Participation in international conferences
- A multidisciplinary research environment
- Strong industry and research collaborations
Employee Benefits
ETH Zurich offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both professional and personal development.
Benefits include:
- Professional career development opportunities
- Public transportation season ticket support
- Car-sharing services
- Access to ASVZ sports facilities and activities
- Childcare support
- Attractive pension benefits
- Inclusive and collaborative working environment
Diversity and Sustainability
ETH Zurich is committed to creating an inclusive academic community where diversity, equal opportunity, and mutual respect are fundamental values.
The university also places sustainability at the heart of its mission by supporting research that contributes to solving global environmental and climate challenges. Researchers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their online application:
- Cover letter explaining motivation and research experience
- Complete Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts, including completed and ongoing coursework with grades
- PDF copy of the Master’s thesis
- Contact information for two academic or professional referees
Applications that do not include all required documents may not be considered.
Important Application Information
ETH Zurich accepts applications only through its official online application portal.
Applications submitted via: Email – Postal mail will not be reviewed. Questions regarding the position may be directed to: Prof. Irena Hajnsek, Email: hajnsek@ifu.baug.ethz.ch
Please note that this email address is intended solely for inquiries about the position and not for submitting applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this a fully funded PhD position?
Yes. This is a 100% full-time doctoral position at ETH Zurich, offered as a fixed-term research appointment.
2. Where is the position based?
The PhD position is located in Zurich, Switzerland, at the Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich.
3. What is the primary research focus?
The research focuses on developing multi-modal Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) methods to monitor environmental changes and permafrost dynamics across Arctic regions.
4. What satellite data will be used?
The project primarily uses data from the TanDEM-X satellite mission to analyze digital elevation models and detect Retrogressive Thaw Slumps.
5. Which academic backgrounds are eligible?
Applicants with degrees in Electrical Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Geophysics, Physics, Remote Sensing, Environmental Engineering, or closely related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
6. Is previous SAR experience mandatory?
No. While experience in SAR data processing is considered an advantage, candidates with strong backgrounds in digital signal processing or image processing are also encouraged to apply.
7. Which programming languages are preferred?
Applicants should have experience with Python, MATLAB, C, or C++, or comparable scientific programming languages.
8. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Master’s thesis (PDF)
- Contact details of two referees
9. Can applications be submitted by email?
No. ETH Zurich only accepts applications through its official online application portal.
10. What career opportunities can this PhD lead to?
Graduates will be well prepared for careers in academia, space agencies, environmental consulting, climate research, geospatial technology, Earth observation companies, and remote sensing research institutes worldwide.
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