PhD student in Plant Ecophysiology (f/m/d)
Join to apply for the PhD student in Plant Ecophysiology (f/m/d) role at Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL.
Overview
You will be working within "The FutureForests Doctoral Network", an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) initiative, which aims to train the next generation of scientists in assessing the impacts of global change on European forests utilizing a unique network of European flagship field forest facilities. Based at WSL in Lausanne, you will focus on assessing changes in tree carbon and water relations, including carbon allocation at the VPDrought experiment (Valais, Switzerland). The goal is to investigate how atmospheric and soil droughts affect leaf-to-whole-tree ecophysiological processes that drive growth, carbon sequestration, and tree mortality. Complementary measurements and analyses will be conducted at selected manipulation facilities in Estonia (University of Tartu) and Germany (Technical University of Munich) to compare the impacts of recurrent droughts and vapour pressure deficits on plant growth and carbon dynamics under global change.
Responsibilities
* Assess changes in tree carbon and water relations and carbon allocation at the VPDrought experiment.
* Investigate how droughts affect leaf-to-whole-tree ecophysiological processes, growth, carbon sequestration, and tree mortality.
* Coordinate complementary measurements and analyses at partner facilities (Estonia, Germany).
* Collaborate in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.
Qualifications
* Master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, or related disciplines with strong background in plant science.
* Strong communication skills, self-motivation, aptitude for field research, and commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
* Good written and spoken English skills.
* Eligibility for MSCA mobility rules: not having resided or carried out main activity in the country of the recruiting organization for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment date (January 2026).
How to apply
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. For questions, Prof. Dr. Charlotte Grossiord can be contacted at +41 (0)21 693 46 50.
About WSL and equal opportunity
WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.
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