Fully Funded PostDoc in Biome Biogeography at WSL Switzerland (2026)

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.