PhD in Antarctic vertical aerosol and cloud measurements — EPFL
- Location
- Sion
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
Mission
The Extreme Environments Research Laboratory (EERL) is looking for a PhD student for our Antarctica InSync activities.
Within Antarctica InSync we will study aerosol-cloud interactions over coastal Antarctica and the Southern Ocean sea ice with instruments placed on a tethered balloon and at ground.
- Mission
- The Extreme Environments Research Laboratory (EERL) is looking for a PhD student for our Antarctica InSync activities.
- Main tasks and responsibilities
- Perform field observations with a small team in Antarctica using the helikite facility
Main responsibilities
- Main tasks and responsibilities
- Perform field observations with a small team in Antarctica using the helikite facility
- Enhance the helikite's measurement capabilities by adding new instrumentation for chemical analyses and cloud observations with the support of a technician
- Analyze samples of aerosols and trace gases in laboratory, for e.g., chemical composition and ice nucleating particles
- Data analysis of observations, numerical model output and remote sensing data
- Tight collaboration with the project partners and participation in working meetings Teaching assistantship Part-time supervision of MSc students Profile
- A master degree or (equivalent) in atmospheric, climate, or environment science, engineering, meteorology, physics or similar
- Interest in atmospheric studies and polar regions Desire to do field work Desire to do laboratory work
- Interested in improving the tethered balloon payload with support of EERL's technician
- Capable of conducting scientific research independently Basic knowledge of scientific programming Data handling skills Good interpersonal skills, team player
Application process
- The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to the Doctoral Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering ( EDCE ).
- Your application should contain: A motivation Letter, Your detailed CV, Contact information, The names and contact information of 3 references willing to write a recommendation letter
- For the application, you must submit your documents in two places (Please check this page for additional information on admission) .:
- 1) Via the EPFL recruitment platform: Please submit a motivation letter with your interests and qualifications, a CV and publication list (if applicable), your bachelor and master curriculum with grades, and contacts of three references.
- 2) Please ensure to submit as well an application to the Doctoral Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE).
- Only applicants admitted to EDCE can be considered for this position.
- The submission deadline for EDCE is September 15, 2026.
- Please note, PhD positions are awarded initially for one year.
Additional details
- Tight collaboration with the project partners and participation in working meetings Teaching assistantship Part-time supervision of MSc students
- Interest in atmospheric studies and polar regions Desire to do field work Desire to do laboratory work
- Capable of conducting scientific research independently Basic knowledge of scientific programming Data handling skills Good interpersonal skills, team player
- Good knowlege of English (written and spoken) A dynamic, interdisciplinary and young research group
- 4 years to complete your PhD with a competitive remuneration A 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years
- After one year of successful probation, the initial contract can be extended up to a total of four years. Application deadline: 15/09/2026 Contract Start Date: 01/10/2026
Notes and original content
- Tight collaboration with the project partners and participation in working meetings
- Teaching assistantship
- Part-time supervision of MSc students
- Interest in atmospheric studies and polar regions
- Desire to do field work
- Desire to do laboratory work
- Capable of conducting scientific research independently
- Basic knowledge of scientific programming
- Data handling skills
- Good interpersonal skills, team player
Questions about this listing
What salary does EPFL offer for this role?
EPFL lists CHF 60'500 - 91'500 gross per year for this position in Sion. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does EPFL offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with EPFL during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Valais?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Valais can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Valais's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at EPFL?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to EPFL's original listing at careers.epfl.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
