100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We invite applications for a full-time Postdoc position in the Climate Physics group of Prof. Reto Knutti and Prof. Erich Fischer at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science at ETH Zurich with a focus on understanding and quantifying weather and climate extremes in a warming climate.

Project background

The Postdoc position will be an integral part of the newly established National Competence Centre in Research NCCR CLIM+ . NCCR CLIM+ supports Switzerland’s transformation towards a climate-resilient society and trains a new generation of experts with strong disciplinary and transdisciplinary expertise. This project offers the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in atmospheric and climate science within the NCCR CLIM+ as well as ETH Zurich.

Job description

• We are seeking physical climate scientists with research experience in studying weather and climate extremes using coupled global and Earth System Models, regional climate and convection- permitting models, or AI weather models or in using process-based or statistical analysis of model results and reanalyses
• The applicant is expected to contribute to NCCR CLIM+ and to take leadership in the research field, including the supervision of students
• The position is for two years initially and can be extended subject to performance and availability of funding
• The starting date is as soon as possible but can be negotiated

Profile

• Applicants must have a PhD in physics, atmospheric and climate sciences, statistics or related subjects, ideally working knowledge of climate models, and experience with shell scripting, high performance computing, or advanced statistics and data analysis frameworks (python, R)
• Regardless of background, the successful applicants will have an interactive personality, motivation to work with cutting-edge numerical climate models and their output, the ability to carry out research in an interdisciplinary and international environment, and a strong desire to disseminate results in conference talks and journal articles
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) and strong communication skills, in particular experience in the publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals, is required

Workplace

We offer

• We offer a dynamic and inspiring research environment, excellent work conditions, supercomputing infrastructure, and a large degree of freedom for the successful candidates to bring in their own research ideas and experience
• The Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science at ETH Zurich is a world-leading institute in the field of research on global and regional climate change at one of the leading international universities for natural sciences and technology

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• Publication list and brief paragraphs highlighting three scientific achievements
• Motivation statement and research ideas
• Names and contact details of three professional references

Please include a detailed statement of motivation, scientific achievements and research ideas that you would be keen to work on in the context of this position. Application deadline is 15 May 2026, but review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Erich Fischer ( erich.fischer@ env.ethz.ch ) or Prof. Reto Knutti ( reto.knutti@ env.ethz.ch ). Administrative requests should be directed to Barbara Wittneben ( barbara.wittneben@ env.ethz.ch ).

Apply online now

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.