The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.
We are a leading research institution dedicated to advancing the field of environmental science and dendroecology. Our multidisciplinary team conducts innovative research to address pressing environmental challenges. By November 2026, or upon agreement, and for the duration of 6 months, we are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic
to contribute to two exiting projects that explore complementary approaches aiming at adapting European forests to climate change. One project studies Picea abies, a wide-spread species of high economical importance in Europe, while the second project studies Cedrus atlantica, a species non-native from Europe, but promising for future forests. The first project aims at assessing the potential of Cedrus atlantica, a non-native tree species, for the future climatic conditions of Swiss forests, and more broadly central European forests. The second project is aiming at understanding the adaptation, acclimation and physiological responses of Norway spruce under climate change. In this context, you will have the opportunity to work with a team of experts in the fields of dendrochronology and ecophysiology, and contribute to new progress in environmental sciences and the adaptation of forests to climate change. The job will involve processing samples and conducting laboratory work. It will include the processing of tree-ring cores from different species and various locations to create tree-ring chronologies. In a second time, you will assist in the preparation of the samples for isotope analyses, which involves preparation of the samples and their chemical treatment. An important part of the work will be to keep precise and accurate records of all procedures. You will also have the possibility to carry analyses of the results.
As a requirement for this position, you should be enrolled in or have recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science, forestry, or a related field and have a strong interest in forest ecology, dendrochronology, isotope analysis, or environmental research. You will work in a supportive and collaborative environment, and your working place will be at WSL, which is located in Birmensdorf (approximately 20 minutes outside of Zürich). You will be supervised by Dr. Valentina Vitali and Dr. Matthias Saurer and be part of the Ecosystem Ecology group in the Unit Forest and Soil Ecology. If you are passionate about environmental research and excited contributing to projects contributing to the adaptation of European forests to climate change, you might be the person we are looking for.
Please send your complete application to Stefania Pe, Human Resources WSL, by up-loading the requested documents through our webpage. Review of the applications will begin on October 19, 2026. Applications via email will not be considered. Valentina Vitali, valentina.vitali@wsl.ch, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.
Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL provides science-based solutions for forests, landscapes, biodiversity, natural hazards, and snow and ice in a changing world. As a federal research institute and part of the ETH Domain, WSL commits itself to excellence in research and implementation that benefits nature and society.
As the leading Swiss research institute for terrestrial environmental systems, WSL performs outstanding research at the national and inter- national levels that benefits the environment and society in Switzerland and beyond. We address global challenges driven by land use change, climate change, biodiversity loss, altered bio- geochemical cycles, and urbanisation, as well as their interactions. WSL is thus in a position to develop science-based solutions for sustainable approaches that serve both the environment and society. We accomplish this together with partners from research, practice and the public, to effectively support environmental decision-making and governance. To train the next generations of decision-makers, we engage in teaching and continuing education in the field of terrestrial environmental science. Through its activities and engagement with society, WSL bridges the science-policy gap and contributes to a future rooted in sustainability.
