Fully Funded PostDoc in Macroecology and Biome Mapping at WSL Switzerland (2026)

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is inviting applications for a fully funded PostDoc in Macroecology and Biome Mapping under a prestigious SNSF (ERC) Advanced Grant project.

This opportunity is ideal for researchers working in:

• macroecology,
• remote sensing,
• spatial ecology,
• climate change science,
• ecological modelling,
• and biodiversity research.

The position is initially offered for 18 months with the possibility of extension.

About WSL Switzerland

WSL is part of the internationally respected ETH Domain and focuses on:

• sustainable ecosystem management,
• biodiversity conservation,
• environmental protection,
• climate research,
• and natural hazards.

The institute hosts around 600 researchers and staff members working on cutting-edge environmental science and ecological research.

Research Group

The position is hosted within the Dynamic Macroecology Research Group led by Dr. Niklaus E. Zimmermann (niklaus.zimmermann@wsl.ch)

The group specializes in:

• spatial ecology,
• macroecology,
• macroevolution,
• global biome dynamics,
• and climate-ecosystem interactions.

About the ERC Project

The postdoctoral position is part of the project:

“Predicting Hotspots of Climate Change Impacts on Ecosystems from an Eco-Evolutionary Biome Framework”

The project aims to:

• map global biomes,
• predict climate change impacts,
• test a novel biome biogeography theory,
• and improve understanding of ecosystem transformations worldwide.

Position Details

Feature	Details
Position	PostDoc in Macroecology and Biome Mapping
Institution	WSL Switzerland
Location	Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Contract Duration	18 Months (Possible Extension)
Employment Level	70–100%
Funding	Fully Funded
Research Area	Macroecology, Remote Sensing, Spatial Ecology
Application Deadline	Open Until Filled
Evaluation Starts	11 May 2026

Research Responsibilities

The selected researcher will contribute to the development of a global biome mapping pipeline.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Global Biome Mapping

You will work with gridded climate datasets, remote sensing products, species occurrence databases, and plant trait information.

The goal is to improve large-scale biome classification and mapping systems.

2. Spatial Ecology and Modelling

The position involves analyzing biome boundaries, spatial modelling, and ecological pattern analysis at global scales.

3. Plant Functional Type Mapping

Researchers will map the global distribution of important plant functional types and evaluate ecological relationships across biomes.

4. Testing Biome Theory

You will help test biome biogeography theory predictions, compare models with observational data, and generate analytical products for ecological theory evaluation.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in Ecology or a related field
• Strong expertise in:
• macroecology,
• functional ecology,
• spatial ecology,
• ecological modelling,
• high-volume data analysis
• Strong coding skills in: R, Python, GIT

Preferred Skills

Additional advantages include experience in:

• Remote sensing
• Machine learning
• Artificial intelligence
• Cluster computing
• Ecological big data analysis

Researchers with interdisciplinary quantitative ecology backgrounds will be especially competitive.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• WSL is looking for someone who is:
• curious,
• self-motivated,
• analytically strong,
• collaborative,
• and capable of developing independent scientific ideas.

Excellent English communication skills are essential.

Research Environment in Switzerland

Swiss research institutes are known for:

• strong research funding,
• excellent salaries,
• advanced computational infrastructure,
• and international scientific collaboration.

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.

Typically required documents include:

• Academic CV
• Cover letter
• Publication list
• Research experience details
• References

Important: Applications submitted by email will not be considered.

Additional Important Information

WSL states that:

• two other postdoctoral positions are being evaluated jointly, (click here and click here)
• and applicants applying for multiple positions should indicate their highest-ranked preference 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 ecology and spatial modelling skills will be particularly competitive.

Since WSL positions are highly selective, applicants should prepare highly focused and research-specific application materials rather than generic submissions.