Postdoctoral Position in Optical and Microwave Remote Sensing of Forest Water Dynamics at WSL, Switzerland (2027)
The project focuses on developing advanced remote sensing approaches to monitor tree water dynamics and identify critical thresholds associated with drought-induced forest mortality. It combines optical and microwave observations with field measurements and tree hydraulic research to improve the monitoring of forest responses to climate-related drought.
The position is expected to begin in February 2027 or by agreement. It is offered at an employment level of 80–100% for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension.
Researchers with a PhD in remote sensing, geophysics, electrical engineering, environmental physics, or a related quantitative discipline are encouraged to apply.
Postdoctoral Position Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | PostDoc in Optical and Microwave Remote Sensing of Forest Water Dynamics |
| Research Project | HydraSense |
| Research Institution | Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL |
| Research Group | Remote Sensing Group |
| Research Unit | Land Change Science Research Unit |
| Location | Birmensdorf, Switzerland |
| Position Type | Postdoctoral Research Position |
| Employment Level | 80–100% |
| Expected Starting Date | February 2027 or by agreement |
| Initial Duration | 2 years, with the possibility of extension |
| Required Degree | PhD in a relevant quantitative discipline |
| Application Contact | Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources |
| Application Method | Online application only |
| Official Application Portal | https://apply.refline.ch/273855/1918/pub/1/index.html |
| Institution Website | https://www.wsl.ch/en/index.html |
About the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work at the institute on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and the management of natural hazards.
The advertised position is based in the Remote Sensing Group of the Land Change Science Research Unit. The group is contributing to the HydraSense project, which brings together expertise in remote sensing, environmental physics, and plant ecophysiology.
This interdisciplinary research environment provides an opportunity to work on technical remote sensing methods while addressing important questions related to forest ecology and climate-induced drought.
About the HydraSense Research Project
Climate-induced drought is increasingly threatening forest ecosystems. Changes in tree water status can indicate increasing drought stress and may help identify conditions associated with tree mortality.
The HydraSense project aims to develop new approaches that combine optical and microwave remote sensing to monitor tree water dynamics and detect critical thresholds linked to drought-induced mortality.
The research will investigate how different remote sensing technologies can retrieve vegetation water content and distinguish water-related signals from changes caused by vegetation structure.
The project combines several observation techniques, including:
Shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy: Optical observations used to investigate vegetation water content.
Multi-frequency microwave radiometry: Measurements across frequencies from 1.4 to 6.9 GHz.
Global Navigation Satellite System Transmissometry (GNSS-T): A remote sensing approach that uses GNSS signals to investigate vegetation properties.
Terrestrial laser scanning: Data used to understand vegetation structure and separate structural effects from water-related remote sensing signals.
In-situ measurements: Field observations at the Pfynwald experimental forest site in Switzerland.
The project also involves collaboration with experts in tree hydraulics at the PERL Lab of EPFL, led by Professor Charlotte Grossiord. This collaboration will connect remote sensing observations with field and laboratory measurements of tree water status and hydraulic vulnerability.
Key Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Researcher
The selected researcher will develop and evaluate methods for retrieving vegetation water content from optical and microwave observations.
The main responsibilities include:
Developing remote sensing retrieval methods: Create and evaluate approaches for estimating vegetation water content using optical and microwave observations.
Working with SWIR spectroscopy: Analyze shortwave infrared observations to investigate their potential for monitoring vegetation water dynamics.
Processing microwave radiometry data: Work with multi-frequency microwave observations across the 1.4–6.9 GHz frequency range.
Supporting GNSS-T instrumentation: Contribute to the deployment and operation of GNSS-T receivers and ground-based microwave radiometers.
Participating in field measurements: Support in-situ measurement campaigns at the Pfynwald experimental forest site in Switzerland.
Integrating multi-sensor observations: Process, analyze, and combine observations from different remote sensing instruments.
Investigating sensor sensitivity: Evaluate how different remote sensing observations respond to changes in vegetation water content.
Separating water and structural signals: Develop methods to distinguish water-related signals from vegetation structural effects using terrestrial laser scanning data.
Connecting remote sensing with tree hydraulics: Work with researchers at the PERL Lab of EPFL to relate remotely sensed signals to field and laboratory measurements of tree water status and hydraulic vulnerability.
Publishing and presenting research: Publish findings in international scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences.
The position combines remote sensing method development, scientific programming, field instrumentation, quantitative data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria and Required Qualifications
Applicants should have a strong quantitative and technical background relevant to optical or microwave remote sensing.
Required qualifications
Candidates must have:
A PhD in Remote Sensing, Geophysics, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Physics, or a related quantitative discipline.
A strong technical background in optical and/or microwave remote sensing.
Proficiency in scientific programming, such as Python or MATLAB.
Strong quantitative data analysis skills.
Experience or demonstrated ability in developing remote sensing retrieval methods.
Motivation to apply technical expertise to research questions in forest ecology and plant water relations.
Willingness to participate in intensive field measurement campaigns.
The ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative and scientific curiosity.
An interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
Desirable experience
The following experience will be considered an advantage:
Optical or microwave spectroscopy.
Microwave radiometry.
Electromagnetic modelling.
Processing and interpretation of multi-sensor observations.
Field-based instrumentation.
Sensor calibration.
Radiative transfer modelling.
Applicants with experience in remote sensing who are interested in applying their expertise to forest water dynamics and drought research may find this position particularly relevant.
Employment Conditions and Research Opportunities
The position is offered at an employment level of 80–100%, with an initial duration of two years and the possibility of extension.
The expected starting date is February 2027, although an alternative starting date may be agreed upon.
The researcher will have the opportunity to:
Contribute to the HydraSense research project.
Work with optical and microwave remote sensing technologies.
Participate in field measurement campaigns in Switzerland.
Collaborate with specialists in remote sensing, environmental physics, and plant ecophysiology.
Work with the PERL Lab at EPFL on research connecting remote sensing signals with tree hydraulic measurements.
Publish scientific results in international journals.
Present research at scientific conferences.
Note: The vacancy announcement does not specify a salary range or detailed financial benefits. Applicants should consult WSL for further information about employment conditions.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application through the official WSL recruitment webpage.
The required documents are:
Motivation letter: Explain your research interests, relevant technical expertise, and reasons for applying.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include your academic qualifications, research experience, technical skills, publications, and other relevant achievements.
Doctoral diploma: Provide documentation confirming completion of your PhD.
Two reference contacts: Include the contact details of two academic or professional referees.
Ensure that all required documents are prepared before starting the online application.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the WSL recruitment portal.
Follow these steps:
Review the position requirements and research description carefully.
Prepare your motivation letter, CV, doctoral diploma, and contact details for two references.
Visit the official WSL application portal.
Upload the requested documents through the online application system.
Submit your application through the portal.
Important: Applications sent by email will not be considered. The institution requires applicants to use the online application webpage.
Contact Information
For further information about the position and research project, applicants may contact the following researchers:
For application administration, the complete application should be addressed to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources, through the online recruitment system.
Institution Address:
Official website: https://www.wsl.ch/en/index.html
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is the postdoctoral position located?
The position is based at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL in Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
2. What is the main research focus?
The research focuses on combining optical and microwave remote sensing to monitor vegetation water content, tree water dynamics, and drought-related forest mortality thresholds.
3. What is the HydraSense project?
HydraSense is a research project developing approaches that combine optical and microwave remote sensing with field measurements to improve the monitoring of tree water dynamics and forest responses to drought.
4. What academic qualification is required?
Applicants must hold a PhD in remote sensing, geophysics, electrical engineering, environmental physics, or a related quantitative discipline.
5. Which programming skills are required?
Proficiency in scientific programming is essential. Python and MATLAB are given as examples.
6. Is fieldwork part of the position?
Yes. The researcher will contribute to the deployment and operation of GNSS-T receivers and ground-based microwave radiometers and participate in in-situ measurements at the Pfynwald experimental forest site in Switzerland.
7. How long is the appointment?
The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of extension.
8. What is the employment percentage?
The position is offered at 80–100%.
9. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, doctoral diploma, and contact details for two references.
10. Can applicants submit their applications by email?
No. Applications submitted by email will not be considered. Applicants must upload their documents through the official WSL recruitment webpage.
11. What is the application deadline?
The provided announcement does not state a specific deadline. Applicants should check the official application portal for current recruitment information.
Final Thoughts
The Postdoctoral Position in Optical and Microwave Remote Sensing of Forest Water Dynamics at WSL offers an opportunity to work on an important research challenge: understanding and monitoring how drought affects forest water status and tree survival.
The position is particularly suitable for researchers with strong technical expertise in optical or microwave remote sensing, scientific programming, and quantitative data analysis who want to apply their skills to forest ecology and plant water relations.
The combination of SWIR spectroscopy, microwave radiometry, GNSS-T, field instrumentation, and collaboration with tree hydraulics researchers makes this an interdisciplinary research opportunity.
Interested researchers should prepare the required documents and submit their applications through the official WSL recruitment portal.
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