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 Land Change Science research unit studies patterns and processes of land systems and their dynamics over various spatial and temporal scales. The Forest Diversity and Biodemography research group within the Land Change Science unit is offering a

2-year position

(possibility of extension) as a

PostDoc in Forest Diversity, Biodemography, and Global Change 80-100% (f/m/d)

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The position will be hosted in Lalasia Bialic-Murphy's group at WSL, as part of the Tree-Change Research Project, jointly led by Thomas Pugh (co-PI, Lund University), Johan van den Hogen (co-PI, ETH), and Oliver Phillips (Project Partner, Leeds University). This project is part of a recently funded SNSF International Project grant, focusing on the cascading effects of climate change on tree demographics, extinction risks, and the functional biodiversity of global forests. You will have flexibility to tailor your project to your expertise and skillset, provided the scope of work fits within the broader aims of the research initiative. In addition, you will have opportunities to develop e large collaborative projects with forest network partners, including members of the ForestPlots network.
You hold a PhD in forest ecology, quantitative ecology, computational biology, or a related field, with a developing peer-reviewed publication record, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative mindset. This project requires a strong background in statistics and experience implementing analyses using scripting languages (e.g., R and Python), as well as experience working with large, complex, and unstructured datasets. We are assembling a team with diverse expertise and particularly encourage individuals with skill sets in at least two of the following areas to apply: demographic modeling, large language models, functional trait interpolation, or species distribution modeling. You will have the opportunity to coordinate WSL research-exchange visits for early-career researchers at partner institutions in South America and to supervise and mentor junior group members. The ability to communicate in Spanish or Portuguese is a strong asset but not required.


Please send your complete application to Jeanine Gehrig, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Your application should include a curriculum vitae and a cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for the role and how you might contribute to the development of the project, along with a summary of your relevant work experience and skill sets. Application review will begin on 15.02.2026, and the position will remain open until filled. Lalasia Bialic-Murphy (lalasia.bialic@wsl.ch) 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