PhD student in Soil Carbon Biogeochemistry

PhD student in Soil Carbon Biogeochemistry 100% (f/m/d)

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 Forest and Soil Ecology assesses the impact of climate change and management on forests and their soils. The Soil Biogeochemistry Group, in collaboration with ETH Zürich and University Zürich, is looking for a candidate to start from March 2026 or by agreement.

• Work within the SNF-funded MULTIFORDECA project, investigating the dynamics of deadwood in Swiss forests and its role in biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and the carbon cycle.
• Investigate the transfer of deadwood-derived carbon into soils, its residence time, and influence on soil organic matter and biogeochemical cycles.
• Quantify carbon and nutrient pools, analyze stable isotopes, radiocarbon, and organic matter properties across environmental gradients in Swiss forests.
• Collaborate with other PhD students and scientists to link data with climate variables, forest stand characteristics, and decomposer communities.

• A master’s degree in environmental sciences, soil science, microbiology or related disciplines.
• Strong communication skills, self-motivation, aptitude for field research, and a commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
• Good written and spoken English skills.

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. For further information, contact Dr. Frank Hagedorn, phone  63.

WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.