Job Description

Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.



The Research Unit Mountain Hydrology and Mass Movements develops new methods for observing and analyzing hydrological processes in the landscape. One focus is on developing adaptation measures for future drought situations. In this field, we are looking for

late autumn 2025

or by agreement for a

PhD student in soil hydrology 100% (f/m/d)

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You will investigate the effect of open drainage ditches (keyline systems) and trees (agroforestry) on the water retention of agricultural fields. You will carry out comprehensive soil moisture measurements using drone-based microwave remote sensing methods and in-situ measurement systems. Based on the measurement data, you will use numerical soil hydrological models to explain the observed soil moisture patterns. A methodological challenge of your work will be to combine different measurement techniques that operate at different spatial resolutions and measurement scales in order to derive detailed soil moisture patterns and profiles. You will publish your analyses and results in international expert journals and communicate them at scientific conferences and to interested environmental and agricultural experts.



For this position, you must have a master's degree in soil physics, hydrology, or a similar field of geoscience and engineering, preferably with advanced studies or a specific interest in measurement technology or remote sensing. You are curious, dedicated and interested in both practical agricultural issues and detailed soil hydrological processes. With your practical commitment, you will be actively involved in field work. You need to communicate fluently in English, ideally also in German. Basic programming skills (e.g., R, Python and/or Matlab) are expected. Your workplace and main supervisor will be at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL in Birmensdorf (approx. 20 min outside of Zurich). At the same time, you will be enrolled as a doctoral student at ETH Zurich (Soil Physics and Terrestrial Ecosystems).


Please send your complete application (Motivation letter, curriculum vitae, existing diplomas) to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Manfred Stahli will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.


Zurcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf