Snowmelt-Runoff Modeling in Nepal’s Glaciated Catchments
Research duration: 18 months
Location: TU-CDHM or TU-IOE, Kathmandu, Nepal
About BWI
BWI – which stands for Blue Water Intelligence, was established in June 2022 in Toulouse, France.
BWI clients like to see us as their basin digitization company. BWI specializes in the monitoring of inland surface water reserves around the globe. BWI brings together in-situ data, spaceborne observations and machine learning to feed and empower hydrological and hydrodynamical models, and provide clients with data and insights on their points of interest. A provider of online subscription-based services, BWI aims to make scalable – across space and time – hydrological forecasts to address climate change induced water stress. Improvements in the prediction of water availability, water quality, floods, and droughts at local and regional scales will help the population and businesses build climate resilience, as well as enable scientists to understand the water cycle deeper.
Context
Blue Water Intelligence, in partnership with Tribhuvan University, invites applications for a fully-funded postdoctoral (by BWI) research position in Hydrology. The successful candidate will be employed by Tribhuvan University’s CDHM, and work under the supervision of Prof. Vishnu Prasad Pandey & Dr. Dibas Shrestha, in close cooperation with BWI’s CTO Piotr Stepnicki and data scientist Mouad Khaznaoui.
Research subject
Nepal’s major river systems depend significantly on snowmelt, which supports downstream water resources. Climate change disrupts snowmelt patterns, runoff timing, and water availability, posing challenges for water resource management, hydropower generation, and disaster risk mitigation. The high spatial heterogeneity of snow cover, melt processes, and runoff in the Himalayas requires high-resolution models, which are computationally intensive. This research work seeks to harness earth observation (EO) and cutting-edge machine learning methods to enhance the understanding and modeling of snowmelt-runoff processes. By leveraging high-resolution spatial and temporal datasets, the research aims to improve runoff predictions in glaciated catchments.
Blue Water Intelligence (BWI) – a French Basin Digitization company is partnering with Tribhuvan University of Nepal to carry out this work. The outcomes of the research will be integrated into operational hydrological model at BWI. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled researcher to be part of this dynamic team.
Objective
- Enhance understanding of snowmelt-runoff processes
Utilize Earth observation (EO) data and machine learning (ML) techniques to model snowmelt-runoff dynamics in Nepal’s glaciated Himalayan catchments, addressing key gaps in current hydrological knowledge.
- Develop advanced data-driven models
Create predictive models leveraging high-resolution spatial and temporal datasets to improve runoff predictions in glaciated catchments.
- Contribute to scientific advancements
Publish findings in a peer-reviewed scientific journal to advance the understanding of snowmelt-runoff processes in glaciated catchments.
Integrate research outcomes into the BWI’s operational hydrological model to enhance water resource management, hydropower planning, and early warning systems.
Your profile
- A PhD in Hydrology, Hydrology and Meteorology Remote Sensing, or a related field, or a master’s degree with at least 5 years of extensive research experience.
Research experience in hydrology and/or remote sensing, and good at mathematics, physics (in particular, fluid mechanics). Alternatively, PhD in mathematics, fluid mechanics and/or computer science, with a strong interest or first exposure to hydrology and/or remote sensing.
- Proven computer programming skills (Python, SciPy/NumPy…) and GIS is necessary.
- Familiarity with satellite data (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel, MODIS) to monitor environmental changes, especially in cryospheric regions (e.g., glaciers, snow cover), glacio-hydrological/snowmelt-runoff modeling and hydrological systems is appreciated.
- Demonstrable history of working in an autonomous and yet collaborative manner.
- Proficiency in English, proven track record in scientific writing, publishing and communication.
- most importantly, drive for the proposed research subject.
Benefits:
- Competitive salaries
- Professional and academic networking
How to Apply:
Please submit in one .pdf file your latest degree, resume, references, and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to the contacts listed below. Relevant résumés will be screened by a selection committee consisting of members from TU and BWI.