PhD position: "Multiphase Modeling of Alpine Mass Movements and Process Cascades" in Zürich

The Chair of Alpine Mass Movements is part of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG) at ETH Zurich and the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF which is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and thus of the ETH Domain. In our group, we develop numerical models and experimental facilities to better understand the initiation and dynamics of alpine mass movements such as snow avalanches, debris flows and rockfalls. Our research contributes to improve risk assessment and management procedures related to gravitational mass movements in alpine regions and mitigate their impacts.

Instabilities in glaciers and rock walls can trigger complex process chains involving rock, ice and snow avalanches and outburst floods. Global warming could contribute to an increase in the frequency and magnitude of such catastrophic events. Their anticipation is thus of utmost importance to evaluate the resilience of existing protection procedures and define adaptation strategies. In modeling, one major difficulty is the combined numerical description of processes such as multi-phase interactions, heat transfer, phase changes, and  liquefaction during the flow.

In this PhD work, you develop a multi-phase material point method (MPM) for alpine mass movements and cascading processes. In a first step, you implement of a two-phase hydromechanical MPM in which solid and fluid phases. Then, a heat energy balance equation will be introduced including friction heat dissipation and phase changes. The model will be evaluated based on benchmark tests and then applied to real-case scenarios such as the 2017 Piz Cengalo rockslide or the 2021 Chamoli disaster. You will publish your results in scientific journals, present them at international conferences and contribute to teaching at ETH Zurich.

• You hold an MSc degree in Computational Mechanics / Computational Science and Engineering / Applied Mathematics or a related field.
• You have experience in using and developing numerical models.
• Ideally, you bring some skills in soil mechanics and natural hazards applications. We encourage applications from enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who have very good oral and written communication skills in English. German or French knowledge is beneficial.
• You are motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and international working environment and you would enjoy living in a beautiful and varied mountain environment.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.