Job Description
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.
Lab and Field Technician in Ash Dieback Resistance 60% (f/m/d)
The Research Unit “Forest Health and Biotic Interactions” studies biotic and abiotic factors relevant for the protection of forests and their biological diversity. For a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, it's Research Group “
Swiss Forest Protection” is looking from
September 1, 2026 or by agreement, for the duration of
2 years (with option for one year extension), for a
Fraxinus excelsior (common ash) in Europe has been threatened by the invasive fungal pathogen “Hymenoscyphus fraxineus“ for almost 20 years. While a high proportion of ash trees experience severe dieback, often leading to death, around 5% seem resistant to the disease. Although such resistance appears to be inheritable across generations, the underlying mechanisms remain puzzling to scientists.
You will be working within the SNF-funded project “Resistance and tolerance mechanisms of Fraxinus excelsior facing ash dieback”. In this project, you will support different assays investigating the resistance mechanisms in ash across field and greenhouse trials. To achieve this, you will follow a multidisciplinary approach, measuring different traits of selected ash trees and analyzing them along a resistance gradient in the field and in our facility. You will apply various methods, including resistance testing, advanced microscopy, metabolomics, and genetics in our security 3 labs and greenhouses.
You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental sciences or biology and / or an apprenticeship as a Biological Laboratory Technician and have experience with one or more of the methods mentioned above. You are eager to learn a wide range of approaches, from phytopathology and chemical ecology to microscopy and genetics. Good English skills and language skills in an additional Swiss language are of advantage. You like to work in a structured and independent manner, enjoy collaborating within a team, and are comfortable working in the lab under axenic conditions. Preferably, you possess a car driving license valid for Switzerland.
Please send your complete application to Michèle Bucher, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Valentin Queloz, phone +41 (0)44 739 21 95, 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
WebsiteCompany-Video
