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.
PhD student in Ash Dieback Resistance (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, the Research Group “
Swiss Forest Protection” is looking from
September 1, 2026 or by agreement, for the duration of
4 years, 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 investigate different resistance mechanisms in ash across field and greenhouse trials, with the ultimate goal of developing dedicated breeding and conservation programs. To achieve this, you will follow a multidisciplinary approach, recording different traits of selected ash tree genotypes and analyzing them along a resistance gradient. You will apply various methods, including resistance testing, advanced microscopy, metabolomics, and genetics, and you will publish your results in international scientific journals.
You hold a Master’s degree in environmental sciences or biology. You have experience with one or more of the methods we will apply and are eager to learn a wide range of approaches, from phytopathology and chemical ecology to microscopy and genetics. Fluency in speaking and writing English is essential. You work well in a structured and independent manner, enjoy collaborating within a team, and are comfortable using statistical software, preferably R. To possess a car driving license valid for Switzerland, would be of advantage. Your workplace will be at WSL in Birmensdorf (approx. 20 minutes outside of Zurich). The PhD enrollment will be at ETH Zurich.
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
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