PhD student in Urban Heat in a Changing Climate
Start Date
01 Oct 2026 (the latest)
3.5 years (renewable to max. 4 years)
3.5 years (renewable to max. 4 years)
Employment Relationship
100%, fixed-term
Institution / Workplace
Institute of Geography, University of Bern
Bern
With us, you create value.
For yourself and for society.
For yourself and for society.
About us
The Climatology group of the Institute of Geography and Oeschger Centre, University of Bern, led by Prof. Stefan Brönnimann announces an open PhD position in Urban Heat in a Changing Climate in the framework of the SNF program NCCR CLIM+ : "Climate Extremes and Society: Strengthening Resilience".NCCR CLIM+ will address emerging research questions on societal transformation in the context of climate change mitigation and societal resilience, including the topic of heat and health. It will pioneer novel approaches in physics-based and data-driven climate modeling. As a member of the NCCR CLIM+, you will form part of an exciting, interdisciplinary community linking many Swiss institutions.
Job descrpition
The goal of the thesis is to map urban climate and thermal comfort for Swiss cities using novel configurations of observational, numerical, geostatistical and machine learning approaches and based on these, to develop and assess heat mitigation measures in the context of future extremes. The PhD project also contributes to the UrbanLab Viererfeld, which conducts transdisciplinary and multi-perspective research related to the construction of a new, sustainable neighbourhood in the City of Bern, in close collaboration with stakeholders. As such, the thesis may contribute to the development of localized storylines about climate extremes.Your profile
We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree in geography, climate science, environmental science or similar, with proven skills in statistics, quantitative methods and programming as well as openness for inter- and transdisciplinary work. The University of Bern promotes equal opportunity and diversity, supporting female and minority researchers.
Your Benefits
- Central location in the heart of Bern
- Team-oriented work
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Collaborative environment and ambitious team
Working at the University of Bern
The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.
Application and Contact
Screening of applications starts 19 June 2026 and continues until the position is filled. The position will start the latest on 1 October 2026. Please send your CV and publication list as well as names of three references IN ONE PDF-FILE to jobs.giub@unibe.ch.