[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD and postdoc positions in paleo glacier modelling at University of Lausanne and Zurich, Switzerland

[Guillaume Jouvet]

Dear Colleagues,

In the framework of a newly-funded project by the Swiss National Science 
Foundation entitled "Reconciling geological and modelled reconstructions 
of Alpine glacier evolution from the Last Glacial Maximum into the 
Holocene", we are looking to fill 1 PhD and 1 2-year-long PostDoc 
positions at the University of Lausanne (UNIL, ICE group, 
https://wp.unil.ch/ice/), as well as 1 PhD position at the University of 
Zurich (UZH, 3G group, https://www.geo.uzh.ch/en/units/3g.html), 
Switzerland.

*Project summary:* Quaternary glaciations have left numerous geological 
footprints in the landscape of the European Alps, especially during and 
after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Despite extensive field evidence 
and dating constraints, the chronology of the glacier evolution is far 
from being well understood. Numerical models accounting for the glacier 
thermo-dynamics, climate and mass balance have proven to be promising 
tools for simulating ice extent evolution and fill knowledge gaps. 
However, existing models generally show significant biases with 
geomorphological reconstructions.  These discrepancies between field- 
and model-based reconstructions is in good part due to spatially too 
coarse models that do not resolve the complex relief of the Alps. 
Unfortunately, traditional ice flow models are computationally too 
expensive to achieve the resolution required over timescales of several 
tens of millennia. To overcome this bottleneck, the goal of this project 
is adopt a new modelling strategy using Instructed Glacier Model (IGM, 
github.com/jouvetg/igm) -- a new glacier model accelerated by 
deep-learning. This project at the interface of glacier modelling and 
Quaternary geology aims i) to further develop IGM to include relevant 
physical processes (such as thermo-mechanics, sediment transportation, 
moraine production ...), ii) to integrate new geological records (such 
as trimlines, dated moraines sequences, erratic boulders, etc.). 
Ultimately this project aims to produce a well constrained 
high-resolution transient reconstruction of ice extent over the Alps and 
enhance our ability to interpret the palaeo record and our understanding 
of the spatio-temporal response of glaciers to climate variations from 
the LGM through the Holocene.

*Roles and candidate profiles: *The PhD based at UNIL will focus at 
modelling the period until LGM, while the the PhD based at UZH will 
focus at modelling the post-LGM period until the Holocene. The PostDoc 
(based at UNIL, working in strong collaboration with UZH) will be 
responsible for setting-up the model (developments and assimilation of 
field data). Candidates for the PhD position will have a master degree 
either in Earth sciences, geology, geophysics, physics, physical 
geography, geosciences, applied mathematics, computer sciences, or a 
related field, and should have a sharp interest in numerical modelling 
and its application in the geosciences (here involving glaciology, 
Quaternary geology, and paleo climate). Candidates for the Postdoc 
position will have prior expertise in glacier modelling and/or in 
Quaternary geology. Previous experience in numerical modelling and 
Python programming is an asset. Good writing and communication skills in 
English as well as the motivation to fruitfully collaborate with the 
research groups in Lausanne and Zurich and in an interdisciplinary 
framework are essential.

*If you wish to apply,* please send a cover letter, CV, and references 
within a single pdf file to the project PIs: Guillaume Jouvet 
(guillaume.jouvet at unil.ch), Andreas Vieli (andreas.vieli at geo.uzh.ch) and 
Samuel Nussbaumer (samuel.nussbaumer at geo.uzh.ch). A first review of 
application will start on December 1st, and will continue until all 
positions are filled.

Guillaume Jouvet, Andreas Vieli and Samuel Nussbaumer
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