Open PhD position at the Department of Geography, University of Zurich
We are inviting applications for a PhD on water resource risks and adaptation in the Andes of Peru in a Swiss-German research project (DACH) funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The PhD will be based at the Department of Geography, University of Zurich, and study major glaciated catchments in Peru. The work will be focused on:
· Quantification of water demand and related drivers in selected catchments
· Development and application of an integrative water balance modeling framework in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Stuttgart
· Assessment of current and future risks related to water resources, and development of adaptation pathways considering future scenarios
The PhD candidate will closely collaborate with the project partners in Germany, the Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems (IWS), and the Stuttgart Research Center for Interdisciplinary Risk and Innovation Studies (ZIRIUS), both at the University of Stuttgart. Further collaborations are foreseen with partners in Peru and in the USA.
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A second PhD candidate (not announced here but a close collaborator of the PhD candidate), based at IWS, will develop spatially and temporally consistent series of high-resolution hydro-climatic data (observed and projected), using innovative interpolation, gap-filling and climate downscaling methods. ZIRIUS concentrates on development of consistent scenarios by combining hydro-climatic and socioeconomic drivers within a stakeholder process.
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The successful PhD applicant needs to have a Master degree in geography, or environmental sciences, water resources/hydrology, or related fields. The applicant must have an interest in studying socio-environmental systems in an comprehensive way across disciplines.
Fluency in English (oral/written) and at least a basic level of Spanish are expected.
Experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite remote sensing, and programming (e.g. R, Python) is an asset. Field experience in mountain regions and the ability to engage with local stakeholders will be an advantage.
Ability to work in collaborative environment with an open personality and well developed communication skills is indispensable.
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The PhD position is scheduled to start on 1 October 2016. Funding is for 3 years.
Applications needs: A statement of interest, a CV and 2-3 references