The Department of Geography at the Faculty of Geo- and Atmospheric Sciences at the LeopoldFranzens University of Innsbruck seeks to fill a
PhD position in hydrological modelling of high mountain catchments
starting February 1, 2026. Project duration is 3 years.
We seek an individual who pursues innovative research in the field of climate change impact on the hydrology of high mountain environments. Main goal is the assessment of water balance components in high Alpine valleys in a deglaciated state under different warming levels. The hydrological analysis will be part of a co-creative process, which aims to identify future hydroclimatic changes and anticipate resulting future lines of conflict, develop pathways to possible solutions and transformation, and jointly develop a shared vision for the future that fairly considers water needs for all stakeholders. The project region is the Ötztal, an approx. 65 km long Alpine valley in Tyrol (Austria), which currently still is partly glacierized. The open position is embedded in the CoWaVisproject, aninterdisciplinary research project funded by the Earth System Sciences program of Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) (https://www.oeaw.ac.at/ess/ess-projekte2024). The successful candidate will be a member of the working group ‘Human-Environment Systems Research’ at the Department of Geography at the University of Innsbruck.
Tasks
- Hydrological model simulations of the Ötztal (Austria) under historical conditions and in a deglaciated state under different pre-defined warming levels
- Assessment of water balance components and their spatio-temporal dynamics
- Closecooperation with project partners (social scientist)
- Contribution to the co-creative development of a shared vision for the future
- Scientific publication of research methods and results
Requirements
- Master degree in geography, atmospheric sciences, hydrology, geoecology or similar
- Basic experience in programming (Python and/or R)
- Basic experience in numerical modelling and work with large data sets
- Motivation to work with physically-based hydrological models
- Motivation to process and analyze climate model data
- Motivation to visualize data for science communication purposes
- Systematic thinking and communication skills for team work
- Fluency in English and (at least) basic knowledge in German (or willingness to learn)
- Strong motivation to achieve a PhD degree
The successful candidate will enter a 3-year PhD working contract for 30h per week. Workplace will be Innsbruck/Austria. A salary according to the Austrian Collective Labor Agreement for University personnel is foreseen. The Leopold‐Franzens University Innsbruck seeks to increase the proportion of females in the faculty. Applications from qualified female scientists are therefore especially encouraged. In accordance with Austrian disability laws, qualified people with special requirements are especially encouraged to apply.
If you are interested, please send a motivation letter, CV and graduation certificates to erwin.rottler@uibk.ac.at
We are looking forward to receiving your application by the 7th of November 2025.