PostDoc in Forest Diversity, Biodemography, and Global ; fmd

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 Land Change Science research unit studies patterns and processes of land systems and their dynamics over various spatial and temporal scales. The Forest Diversity and Biodemography research group within the Land Change Science unit is offering a 2‑year position (possibility of extension) as a

The position will be hosted in the Lalasia Bialic‑Murphy group at WSL as part of the Tree‑Change Research Project jointly led by Thomas Pugh (co‑PI Lund University), Johan van den Hogen (co‑PI ETH) and Oliver Phillips (Project Partner Leeds University). The project is funded by a SNSF International Project grant and focuses on the cascading effects of climate change on tree demographics, extinction risks and the functional biodiversity of global forests.

You will have flexibility to tailor your project to your expertise and skillset within the broader aims of the research. You will also have opportunities to develop large collaborative projects with forest network partners, including members of the Forest Plots network.

• Design, implement and analyze quantitative models of forest demographics, species distribution and functional traits.
• Develop and maintain large, complex, unstructured datasets using scripting languages such as R and Python.
• Coordinate WSL research‑exchange visits for early‑career researchers at partner institutions in South America.
• Supervise and mentor junior group members.
• Communicate results to a broad audience, including scientific publications and presentations.

• PhD in forest ecology, quantitative ecology, computational biology or a related field.
• Developing peer‑reviewed publication record.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Strong background in statistics and experience implementing analyses with scripting languages (e.g. R and Python).
• Experience working with large, complex and unstructured datasets.
• Proficiency in at least two of the following areas is highly desirable: demographic modeling, large‑language‑model applications, functional trait interpolation, species distribution modeling.
• Knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese is an asset but not required.

Send your complete application to Jeanine Gehrig, Human Resources, WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our website. Applications via email will not be considered. Your application should include a curriculum vitae and a cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for the role, how you might contribute to the development of the project, and a summary of your relevant work experience and skill sets.

Application review will begin on 15.02.2026 and the position will remain open until filled.

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