The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is offering an exciting fully funded PostDoc position in Biome Biogeography for international researchers interested in ecology, macroecology, machine learning, spatial modelling, and climate change research.
This position is part of a prestigious SNSF (ERC) Advanced Grant project focused on understanding the impacts of climate change on global ecosystems through an eco-evolutionary biome framework.
The appointment is initially for 18 months with the possibility of extension.
About WSL Switzerland
WSL is part of the renowned ETH Domain and is one of Europe’s leading environmental research institutions. The institute focuses on:
- environmental sustainability,
- biodiversity,
- climate change,
- natural hazards,
- and ecosystem protection.
Approximately 600 researchers and staff members work at WSL on interdisciplinary environmental challenges.
Research Group
The position is hosted within the Dynamic Macroecology Research Group led by Dr. Niklaus E. Zimmermann (niklaus.zimmermann@wsl.ch).
The group focuses on:
- spatial ecology,
- macroecology,
- macroevolution,
- and global biome dynamics.
This project combines advanced computational ecology with global climate and biodiversity research.
About the Project
The ERC-funded project is titled “Predicting Hotspots of Climate Change Impacts on Ecosystems from an Eco-Evolutionary Biome Framework”
The overall goals include:
- mapping global biomes,
- projecting future climate change impacts,
- testing biome biogeography theory,
- and understanding ecosystem dynamics at global scales.
Several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers are already involved in generating baseline ecological and spatial datasets.
Position Details
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Position |
PostDoc in
Biome Biogeography |
|
Institution |
WSL
Switzerland |
|
Location |
Birmensdorf,
Switzerland |
|
Contract
Duration |
18 Months
(Possible Extension) |
|
Employment
Level |
70–100% |
|
Funding |
Fully Funded |
|
Research Area |
Ecology,
Macroecology, Spatial Modelling |
|
Application
Deadline |
Open Until
Filled |
|
Evaluation
Starts |
11 May 2026 |
Research Responsibilities
The selected researcher will contribute to testing key aspects of the biome biogeography theory.
Major responsibilities include:
1. Machine Learning and Data Analysis
You will generate outputs from machine learning models, process ecological datasets, and analyze large-scale biome data.
2. Spatial and Ecological Modelling
The project involves spatial ecology, process-based simulations, macroevolutionary approaches, and biome modelling.
3. Statistical Hypothesis Testing
You will test ecological hypotheses, evaluate theoretical predictions, and contribute to theory validation.
4. Collaboration Across Subprojects
The role includes supporting other researchers through analytical protocols, spatial products, and computational contributions.
This is a highly collaborative interdisciplinary project.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A PhD in Ecology or a related discipline
- Strong expertise in:
- macroecology,
- functional ecology,
- spatial modelling,
- high-volume ecological data analysis
- Programming experience in R, Python, GIT
Preferred Skills
Additional advantages include experience in:
- Remote sensing
- Cluster computing
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Large-scale ecological simulations
Researchers with strong quantitative ecology backgrounds will be especially competitive.
Ideal Candidate Profile
WSL is seeking candidates who are:
- scientifically curious,
- independent thinkers,
- collaborative team players,
- and capable of developing new research ideas independently.
Excellent English communication skills are essential.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This is not a standard ecology postdoctoral position. The project integrates:
- climate change science,
- AI and machine learning,
- macroecology,
- spatial modelling,
- and evolutionary ecology.
Researchers with interdisciplinary computational ecology expertise are increasingly in high demand globally.
Working Environment in Switzerland
- Swiss research institutions are known for:
- excellent research funding,
- strong infrastructure,
- high research salaries,
- international collaboration,
- and advanced computing facilities.
Working at WSL also provides access to one of Europe’s strongest environmental research networks.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official WSL recruitment portal.
Applicants typically need:
- Academic CV
- Cover letter
- Publication list
- Research experience details
- References
Important: Applications submitted via email will not be accepted.
Additional Important Information
WSL notes that:
- two additional postdoctoral positions are being evaluated jointly, (click here and click here)
- and applicants applying for multiple positions should clearly rank their preferred position in the cover letter.
The institute strongly promotes diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.
Official Application Link
Apply here: WSL PostDoc Application Portal
Candidates with strong quantitative and computational ecology skills will have a significant advantage.
Because positions at WSL are highly competitive, applicants should prepare a highly tailored and research-focused application rather than submitting generic materials.
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