Fully Funded PhD in Remote Sensing – ETH Zürich

About the Program

ETH Zürich invites applications for a fully funded PhD in Earth Observation and Remote Sensing titled “Snow and Ice Parameter Estimation Using High-Frequency Multi-Modal SAR” at the Institute of Environmental Engineering (IFU), Chair of Earth Observation. This doctoral position focuses on advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) techniques to analyse snow and ice dynamics within the cryosphere, with a strong emphasis on glacier mass balance, elevation change, and crevasse detection.

The research addresses two core scientific themes: SAR interferometry-based digital elevation model time series for large-scale glacier and ice-sheet monitoring, and the development of new methods for identifying and characterising glacier crevasses using high-resolution SAR data. The PhD will start in Spring 2026 and is based in Zurich, Switzerland. The project aligns with ETH Zürich’s leadership in remote sensing, Earth system science, and climate research, offering interdisciplinary collaboration, access to global test sites, and engagement with current and future satellite missions.

Program Details

Position: Fully Funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: ETH Zürich
Department/Faculty: Institute of Environmental Engineering (IFU), Chair of Earth Observation
Supervisor: Prof. Irena Hajnsek
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Start Date (Anticipated): Spring 2026
Duration: Typically 3–4 years
Funding: Fully funded doctoral position with an employment contract
Working Hours: Full-time
Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Geophysics, Computational Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related discipline.

Research Focus / Area

Earth observation and remote sensing
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry
Snow and ice parameter estimation
Glacier mass balance and elevation change
Crevasse detection and glacier dynamics
Cryosphere monitoring
High-resolution, multimodal SAR data analysis

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or physical science discipline
Strong analytical and quantitative skills
Programming experience in Python, C/C++, or equivalent
Fluency in English (written and spoken)
Willingness to work in a multidisciplinary and international research team
Valid Category B driving licence

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in remote sensing or SAR data analysis
Background in snow or ice modelling
Experience with large datasets and high-performance computing
Fieldwork experience in cryospheric or environmental research

Key Features of the Program

Fully funded PhD at a world-leading technical university
Research within a highly international and interdisciplinary team
Access to global snow and glacier test sites with ground validation data
Strong links to current and future satellite missions
Excellent research infrastructure and professional development support
Competitive benefits, including public transport support, sports facilities, childcare, and pension schemes
Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability