The new NCCR CLIM+ programme invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position in the Climate Extremes’ Storyline "Heat and Health" at ETH Zurich.

The NCCR CLIM+ is a new National Center of Competence in Research that establishes the first fully interdisciplinary, Switzerland-wide climate research community. NCCR CLIM+ aims to tackle pressing issues related to climate extremes such as heatwaves, floods, heavy rainfalls, droughts, wildfires, and further compound events. The research programme will interact with stakeholders ranging from public health to finance, agriculture, and water management to produce actionable solutions related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Further information about NCCR CLIM+ can be found on our website.

To facilitate cross-disciplinary communication and stakeholder engagement, NCCR CLIM+ will develop storylines of plausible futures encompassing the physical and social dimensions of extreme climate outcomes. The storylines offer narratives that allow our interdisciplinary research team to carefully assess co-benefits and trade-offs in the transformation towards a climate-resilient society.

The Postdoctoral Fellow for the Storyline “Heat and Health” will be affiliated with Prof. Sonia Seneviratne at ETH Zurich. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with the research groups of Prof. Johanna Ziegel (ETH Zurich) and Prof. Ana Vicedo-Cabrera (Uni Bern).

The main responsibilities will be as follows:

• Co-developing a vision for one climate extreme storyline for Switzerland (heat and health), in collaboration with NCCR CLIM+ researchers
• Integrating cross-disciplinary research related to the storyline from several work packages, research groups and institutions of NCCR CLIM+, ranging from natural climate models to the analysis of impacts, adaptation and mitigation measures
• Conducting interdisciplinary research at the interface between natural and social sciences and publishing results in scientific and applied journals
• Initiating and actively promoting cross-cutting activities under the supervision of the storyline Lead PIs and Team of Directors, and involving NCCR CLIM+ members across all levels and stakeholders across different sectors
• Interacting and managing contacts with public and private stakeholders involved in the storyline
• Regularly exchanging with other storyline postdocs, two storyline coordinators, and the postdoc dedicated to stakeholder engagement at the NCCR CLIM+ Management Center.

This position is particularly attractive for postdocs aiming for a career at the interface between science, policy and society.

The position is funded for a duration of 3.5 years; the contract term is one year at a time, with the option of renewal.

• PhD in climate science, environmental science, environmental epidemiology, public health or a related field
• Interest and experience in studying the relation between heat and health, climate extremes and society
• Experience in research coordination, science integration, policy development and/or stakeholder engagement is a plus
• Integrative personality with interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work at the interface of climate science, social science and health
• Knowledge of the landscape of stakeholders in Switzerland related to heat and health
• Ability to speak the language of different scientific disciplines and of stakeholders, and to connect both worlds through engaging and enriching conversations
• Sense of responsibility, quick learner, ability to take initiative, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, team player
• Curious, creative and tolerant to uncertainty as the storyline needs to be defined and further developed over time
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of German and/or French is of strong advantage (written and spoken)
• Willingness to commute to different work places (ETH Zurich, Uni Bern and other places)

• A job with impact: NCCR CLIM+ supports your professional development and contributes to positive change in society
• Flexible working conditions in an inspiring, international research environment
• Varied tasks at the interface of science, policy and society
• An engaged and supportive team
• Conferences, workshops and training opportunities
• Opportunities to expand your network and gain valuable experience in academic leadership and project development

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

• CV
• Letter of Motivation, including most important experience with storylines
  (Please state in your letter if you are applying to more than one Postdoctoral position in Climate Extremes’ Storylines)
• Names of 2 references
• Copy of PhD Diploma

Review of the applications will start in late July and the first interviews are foreseen on August 14. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Further information about the NCCR CLIM+ and other Postdoctoral Positions in Climate Extremes’ Storylines can be found on our website.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Petra Sieber, Executive Manager of the NCCR CLIM+ at ETH Zurich (no applications).

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

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.