The Research Unit Land Change Science studies patterns, causes and processes of landscape change. Within the DISCLOSE-project, the research group Land-Use Systems is seeking, for a duration of one year starting fall 2026, a
This research project examines how digital technologies and data are transforming spatial planning practices and develops a theoretical model that describes the interplay between people, technologies, and planning processes, thereby laying the foundation for a reflective approach to the digitization of planning. An interdisciplinary team of postdoctoral researchers is conducting a wide range of empirical studies for this purpose.
Your responsibilities will primarily include supporting the researchers in the preparation and analysis of qualitative data from interviews, documents, and ethnographic observations; conducting literature reviews; and organizing workshops. In addition, you will assist the project management with administrative tasks. We offer the opportunity to contribute to an exciting interdisciplinary research project in a collegial and supportive work environment.
You hold a master’s degree in human geography, urban studies, science and technology studies (STS), sociology, anthropology, or a related field. You have experience in social science research and an interest in urban spaces. In particular, you have experience in independently analyzing qualitative social science data from interviews and documents and are familiar with relevant software such as Atlas.ti and/or MAXQDA.You have good command of both German and English. Experience in web scraping, online research, conducting expert interviews and organizing workshops is considered as additional assets.
Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Anna Hersperger, phone +41 (0)44 739 2515, email:anna.hersperger@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.
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.
