Fully Funded Postdoctoral Position in Biome Analysis and Functional Characterization at WSL Switzerland (2026)
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is inviting applications for a fully funded PostDoc position in Biome Analysis and Functional Characterization under an SNSF (ERC) Advanced Grant project.
This is an excellent opportunity for researchers in ecology, macroecology, remote sensing, environmental science, functional ecology, and spatial modelling to work in one of Europe’s leading environmental research institutions.
The position is initially offered for 18 months with the possibility of extension.
About WSL Switzerland
WSL is part of the prestigious ETH Domain and focuses on:
- sustainable environmental management,
- ecosystem research,
- biodiversity,
- climate change,
- and natural hazard studies.
Approximately 600 researchers and staff members work at WSL on interdisciplinary environmental challenges.
About the Research Project
The project is funded through an SNSF (ERC) Advanced Grant titled:
“Predicting hotspots of climate change impacts on ecosystems from an eco-evolutionary biome framework”
The research aims to map global biomes, project climate change impacts, understand ecosystem transformations, and test new eco-evolutionary biome theories.
This is a highly interdisciplinary project combining:
- ecology,
- remote sensing,
- computer vision,
- deep learning,
- and global environmental modelling.
Position Details
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Position |
PostDoc in Biome Analysis and Functional Characterization |
|
Institution |
WSL Switzerland |
|
Location |
Birmensdorf, Switzerland |
|
Contract Duration |
18 Months
(Possible Extension) |
|
Employment Level |
70–100% |
|
Research Area |
Ecology, Remote
Sensing, Macroecology |
|
Funding |
Fully Funded |
|
Application Mode |
Online |
|
Deadline |
Open Until Filled |
|
Evaluation Starts |
11 May 2026 |
Research Responsibilities
The selected researcher will contribute to:
1. Field and Drone-Based Data Collection Using:
- LiDAR,
- multispectral imaging,
- hemispherical photography,
- LAI 2200 measurements.
Fieldwork will involve different global biome systems.
2. Vegetation Structure Analysis
You will analyze:
- biome vegetation structures,
- ecological patterns,
- and functional ecosystem differences.
3. Computer Vision and Deep Learning
The project includes:
- refining AI/computer vision models,
- extracting leaf traits,
- analyzing plant functional characteristics,
- processing canopy images.
4. Global Database Analysis
Researchers will work with:
- large-scale ecological databases,
- global plant photo repositories,
- spatial ecosystem datasets.
The final goal is to upscale biome functional and structural information globally.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A PhD in Ecology or a related field
- Strong macroecology knowledge
- Experience with remote sensing datasets
- Expertise in LiDAR and multispectral analysis
- Strong spatial modelling skills
- Coding experience in: R, Python, GIT
Preferred Skills
Additional advantages include:
- Deep learning experience
- Computer vision model calibration
- Cluster computing
- Ecological fieldwork experience
- High-volume environmental data processing
Ideal Candidate Profile
WSL is looking for someone who is curious, independent, scientifically creative, collaborative, and comfortable in interdisciplinary environments.
Strong English communication skills are essential.
International Collaboration Opportunities
The selected candidate will collaborate with international research teams, global ecology experts, remote sensing specialists, and computational researchers.
This position provides strong international research exposure and publication potential.
Why This Position Is Highly Valuable
This is not a routine ecology postdoc.
The project combines:
- climate change research,
- AI applications,
- remote sensing,
- biodiversity science,
- and global ecological modelling.
Researchers with hybrid quantitative + ecological skills are increasingly in demand internationally.
Salary and Research Environment
Although the exact salary is not listed publicly, Swiss research institutions are known for:
- highly competitive salaries,
- excellent infrastructure,
- advanced computing resources,
- and strong research funding.
Switzerland also offers high quality of life, international research networking, and excellent scientific facilities.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official WSL recruitment portal.
Typically required documents include:
- Academic CV
- Cover letter
- Publication list
- PhD certificate
- Research experience details
- References
Important: Applications submitted via email will NOT be accepted.
Additional Important Information
WSL mentions that:
- two other postdoctoral positions are being evaluated jointly, (click here and click here)
- and applicants applying for multiple positions should rank their preferred position in the cover letter.
The institute also strongly emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.
Official Application Link
Apply here: WSL PostDoc Application Portal
Candidates with strong quantitative ecology and computational skills will be particularly competitive.
Positions at Swiss institutions like WSL are highly selective, so a tailored and research-focused application is critical.