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 Forest and Soil Ecology research unit, which investigates the effects of environmental changes in forest ecosystems, is looking for a person to join the Ecosystem Ecology group for a fixed-term period of four years, starting January 2026 or by appointment, as a
PhD student in plant phenology and ecophysiology
You will be responsible for planning and carrying out experiments in the field and under controlled conditions in the SNF funded project "Linking carbon source-sink dynamics to autumn phenology: Predicting tree growth rhythms in temperature and boreal forests". You will analyse the interaction between carbon balance and phenology by applying various ecophysiological and biochemical methods and large-scale data analyses. You will carry out statistical and mechanistic modelling approaches. Finally, you will be responsible for publishing results in scientific journals.
You have a master's degree in environmental science, or a comparable topic and are interested in applying various methods, from ecophysiology to model applications. You have a proficient command of written and spoken English, are able to work in a structured, efficient and independent manner, and have a high level of team spirit. Furthermore, you have a good level of fitness to carry out field work in remote locations. We offer an international team with exciting research perspectives and strong collaboration with researchers from ETH and international institutions. The position will be based at WSL and you will be enrolled at ETH Zurich.
Please send your complete application to Stefania Pe, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. The review of the applications will begin on November 3, 2025. Arthur Gessler (phone ; ) and Yunpeng Luo ) 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.
Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf