The Georesources Switzerland Group is part of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich and conducts applied research in collaboration with the Swiss Geological Survey (Federal Office of Topography, swisstopo) as well as with other partners from industry and administration. We collect, compile and produce fundamental geological data mainly related to the use of the geological resources of Switzerland. This currently includes the mineral resources as well as energy resources and reservoir rocks in the deep underground.
Project backgroundThe swisstopo SA3D project aims at building a harmonised large-scale 3D geological model of the Alpine region of Switzerland until 2030. Such 3D models support a wide range of applications, including, but not limited to, infrastructure planning, groundwater resource management, natural hazard assessment, and georesources exploration. SA3D employs advanced 3D geological modelling techniques and consolidates extensive expertise in regional geology, sourced from multiple academic institutions. Through such coordinated collaboration, SA3D aims to deliver an accurate and reliable underground geological models. To complete the SA3D project, swisstopo funds multiple modelling projects across various universities, each tasked with building a total of eight 3D geological sub-models of distinct areas in the Alpine orogen. The here announced position involves two main responsibilities: (i) integrating and consolidating the eight SA3D sub-models into one unified regional 3D geological model, ensuring technical and interpretative consistency, and (ii) developing one of the regional sub-models in the South Alpine domain, providing a robust scientific interpretation.
To strengthen our team within the framework of the Swiss Alps 3D (SA3D) project in collaboration with swisstopo, we are looking for a motivated and skilled geoscientist to join us for a period of up to five years, starting on 5 January 2026 or by agreement.
The position is fixed-term with 1-year contracts. In agreement with swisstopo, annual renewal is foreseen until the end of 2030 (maximum 5 years).
Job descriptionYou will be part of a project team, supported by a project coordinator in our group, and by the Swiss Geological Survey (swisstopo). The project also includes an intensive collaboration with seven sub-project teams at other universities. This extended project team will ensure that the resulting 3D geological model of the Alps will be able to serve as the primary reference for the development of subsequent higher-resolution three-dimensional models.
You are responsible for
- the integration and consolidation of all products derived from the SA3D sub-projects into a single, harmonised, and geologically consistent SA3D model
- the construction of a large-scale 3D geological model of the South Alpine domain of the central Swiss Alps
- documentation of the technical and scientific aspects regarding the geological model(s) in peer-reviewed papers and technical reports
Profile - MSc or PhD in Earth Sciences or closely related field
- Proven advanced expertise in 3D geological modelling
- Experience in managing diverse geological datasets (e.g., GIS data, 3D meshes)
- Knowledge of and interest in Alpine and structural geology
- Strong collaborative skills for effective working across multidisciplinary teams
- Expertise in project coordination and communication
- Experience in documenting scientific results in peer reviewed papers or technical reports, including the redaction of geological profiles and clear and illustrative figures
- Languages: English required, knowledge of German and/or French is preferable
We offer - Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
- You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits
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