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

You will work within the SNF‑funded MULTIFORDECA project, a collaborative project investigating the dynamics of deadwood in Swiss forests and its critical role in biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and the carbon cycle under changing climate and management conditions. In the PhD project, you will investigate the transfer of deadwood‑derived carbon into soils, the residence time of this carbon, and the influence of deadwood on soil organic matter and biogeochemical cycles.

The research will involve quantifying carbon and nutrient pools, analysing stable isotopes, radiocarbon, and organic matter properties across environmental gradients in Swiss forests. You will closely collaborate with other PhD students and scientists to link your data with climate variables, forest stand characteristics, and decomposer communities.

You hold a master’s degree in environmental sciences, soil science, microbiology or related disciplines. You demonstrate strong communication skills, self‑motivation, an aptitude for field research, and a commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Good written and spoken English skills are required.

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. Dr Frank Hagedorn, phone +41 (0)44 739 24 63, 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.

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research is concerned with the use, development and protection of natural and urban spaces.