PostDoc in Land Change Science

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is a part of the ETH domain. Approximately 500 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.

The Research Unit Lands Change Science studies patterns and processes at the landscape level caused by ecological and anthropogenic drivers. Within the project “What is sustainable intensification? Operationalizing sustainable agricultural intensification (SI) pathways in Europe (SIPATH)” funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, we offer a position as a PostDoc in Land Change Science (80%).

SIPATH will aim at understanding the mechanisms of agricultural development in Europe over the last decades and develop identify pathways of SI considering climatic, societal and technological developments that are likely to affect the future of agriculture in Europe.

Within the project, you will develop a framework that helps the synthesis of knowledge on SI and will apply this in identifying alternative pathways to achieve SI in Europe while accounting for tradeoffs within and beyond agriculture. Additionally, you will support the project leader in organizational issues related to SIPATH. You will be part of an international project team, interacting with people with different disciplinary and cultural background.

You hold a PhD degree in environmental sciences, geography, agronomy or in an equivalent field and you are experienced in working in interdisciplinary project environments. Knowledge of GIS, ecological modelling, data management and land change science in general are favorable. You are fluent in English and have excellent skills in scientific writing. Furthermore, you have a structured and careful working stile and excellent communication skills.

Please send your complete application to Sabine Hirt, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Matthias Bürgi (matthias.buergi@wsl.ch) will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. The WSL strives to increase the proportion of women in its employment, which is why qualified women are particularly called upon to apply for this position.