**Job Title:** PhD Student in Computational Snow Physics
About the Role
We are a leading university in Eastern Switzerland, collaborating with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF. Our team is seeking an enthusiastic PhD student to work on a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation SNF.
Project Overview
Snow is a complex porous material that undergoes significant changes through metamorphism, affecting its macroscopic properties. However, current models lack the necessary accuracy to represent these processes at larger scales. Our project aims to develop a versatile snow metamorphism model based on the phase-field methodology and couple it to radiative transfer models.
Your Responsibilities
* Develop a phase-field model to predict close to isothermal snow metamorphism, incorporating intergranular and grain-boundary forces, and rigid body forces.
* Parametrize the model to accurately represent ice physics or calibrate parameters using experimental data.
* Perform sensitivity analyses to identify dominant driving forces and simplify the model while maintaining accuracy.
* Apply the model to small snow samples obtained from μ-CT and compare results with measurement series.
* Contribute to the project goals by collaborating with the 3-person project team and partner institutes.
* Assist with teaching and tutoring at OST or EPFL within the doctoral school.
Qualifications
* Masters degree in physics, materials science, applied mathematics, or equivalent.
* Strong background in mathematical modeling and numerical simulation.
* Interest in small-scale processes and their impact on large-scale properties, preferably related to snow or porous materials.
* Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary context and collaborate with national and international partners.
* Motivation to work at the interface between fundamental and applied sciences.
What We Offer
* An independent job with opportunities for personal initiative and collaboration with committed colleagues.
* A family-friendly environment at an applied sciences university with attractive employment conditions.
* Collaboration opportunities with SLF Davos, EPFL, and École Polytechnique Paris.
* An attractive workplace on the shore of lake Zurich and near the Rapperswil train station and historic town.