PhD student in 3d multi-scale Remote Sensing; fmd

Position Overview

From March 2026 we offer a 4-year PhD position in 3D multi‑scale remote sensing (f/m/d) at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). The role is part of the Forest Resources and Forest Management Research Unit, which focuses on recording, analysing, evaluating and predicting forest resources to improve sustainable management in the 21st century.

• Develop a plot‑level workflow for deadwood quantity and quality assessment using 3D mobile laser scanning image data and machine learning.
• Link deadwood at the plot level to regional 3D forest structure to upscale deadwood information from plot to landscape scale.
• Integrate forest inventory, soil and saproxylic species datasets with 3D remote sensing methods and detailed complementary field studies.
• Improve knowledge of relationships between forest structure and deadwood, and of saproxylic biodiversity from plot to landscape scale.

• Master’s degree in geosciences, environmental sciences, forest management or an equivalent field.
• Excellent analytical and statistical skills with experience working with remote sensing data.
• Strong written and spoken English; basic German is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently, efficiently and in a structured manner, while contributing to a team with good communication skills.
• Proficiency in developing and applying machine learning methods on large spatial datasets is desirable.

You will work in a collaborative project with four PhDs, one Post Doc and leading experts. Your main supervisor will be at WSL in Birmensdorf (≈20 min outside Zürich), and you will be enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Zürich.

Send your complete application (motivation letter, CV, two references, and existing diplomas) to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources, WSL through the online portal. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Screening of applications will start 5 January 2026, with interviews in January 2026.

WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion and actively promotes gender equality. We foster an open, inclusive work environment.