Group Leader Community Ecology

Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL

Organisation/Company Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL Research Field Agricultural sciences » Soil science Biological sciences » Other Environmental science » Ecology Environmental science » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country Switzerland Final date to receive applications 8 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

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 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology investigates the diversity of life in its various forms, from genetic diversity to the diversity of species and ecosystems and their interactions. It provides the basis for evidence-based nature conservation. Starting June 1, 2026
, or by agreement we offer the position of a Group Leader Community Ecology (80-100% (f/m/d)).

As a recognized expert in community ecology with focus in soil biodiversity and ecology, you head a research group with 10-15 employees and align their activities with the WSL Strategy 2035. Your tasks involve supporting the project leaders in your group as well as managing your own research projects. You are responsible for acquiring third‑party funding, maintaining collaboration with other research groups, and bridging between research and practice.

Your focus is on soil biodiversity and ecology including species interactions, soil functions and soil services. You publish your results in scientific and applied journals, conduct outreach and engage with authorities and expert commissions.

You hold a doctorate in biology or environmental sciences, with strong expertise in community ecology, soil biodiversity and soil ecology. You use state‑of‑the‑art methods and technologies to identify (micro) organisms and assess their functional roles in food webs and ecosystems. Taxonomic expertise in micro‑, meso‑ and macrofauna and/or isotopic methods for assessing food webs are a plus. You are skilled in statistical analyses, modeling and/or bioinformatics.

You have a good track record in the development and financing of research projects as well as the publication and implementation of research findings. You are an integrative and committed team player experienced in collaborating with stakeholders. Additionally, you have led research teams, PhD students and Post Docs. Good communication skills with fluency in English and proficiency in at least one Swiss national language are essential.

Please send your complete application to Michèle Bucher, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. PD Dr. Anita

C. Risch, anita.risch , , will be happy to answer your questions or to 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.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL Country Switzerland City Birmensdorf Postal Code 8903 Street Zürcherstrasse 111 Geofield