Job Description

Mission

We are pleased to announce an open technician position within the Plant Ecology Research Laboratory (PERL). This project aims to investigate how European tree species respond to rising temperatures, increasing atmospheric drought, and soil moisture limitations.

Main duties and responsibilities

Overseeing summer fieldwork campaigns in forests and research infrastructures across Switzerland and Europe. Fieldwork can be physically demanding and strenuous at times. Assembling, disassembling, and repairing electronic and mechanical instruments.

What we are looking for

Strong technical and electrotechnical skills:

We are looking for someone who is adept at handling technical and electrotechnical equipment and is comfortable troubleshooting and performing repairs.

Someone motivated, rigorous, and curious:

We are looking for someone passionate about plant responses to climate extremes, with a strong curiosity and a rigorous approach to scientific inquiry.

Enjoyment of fieldwork and teamwork:

We are looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors and is enthusiastic about collaborating within a team in dynamic, field-based environments.

Good physical condition:

The role involves physically demanding tasks, so we need someone who is comfortable with physical exertion.

Driving license:

Our field campaigns will take place both in Switzerland and abroad, so the ideal candidate should be comfortable with long-distance driving.

Comfortable with English:

The ideal candidate should be proficient in English, as it will be used for communication within the international team and for scientific documentation

Driving license:

Our field campaigns will take place both in Switzerland and abroad, so the ideal candidate should be comfortable with long-distance driving.

Comfortable with English:

The ideal candidate should be proficient in English, as it will be used for communication within the international team and for scientific documentation.

Preferred qualifications:

A diploma from a professional technical school (HES/FH) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Microtechnology.

We offer

A technician's salary at 80% (part-time). Some additional hours will be accumulated during the summer fieldwork, and these can be compensated during the fall/winter season. Hands-on experience in forest ecophysiology and climate change research. Training in ecophysiological measurements and field instrumentation. Integration into a dynamic international research team at EPFL and WSL. Opportunity to contribute to high-impact scientific publications.

Informations

Contract Start Date : June 1st, 2026

Activity Rate : 80.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, potentially renewable

Reference: 1942

For further information, please contact: charlotte.grossiord@epfl.ch and arianna.milano@epfl.ch