Doctoral position in landscape ecology and geospatial analysis ETH Zürich in Switzerland

The Chair of Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems (PLUS) at the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development, ETH Zürich, invites applications for a fully funded doctoral position in landscape ecology and geospatial analysis. This position is part of the interdisciplinary project “DEPOPLAND: Drivers and trajectories of social-ecological change in depopulating rural landscapes,” supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

DEPOPLAND addresses the global challenge of rural depopulation and its impacts on ecosystems and human well-being. The project aims to deliver the first systematic, global-scale analysis of ecological and social dynamics in depopulating rural landscapes, identifying change trajectories and their drivers. The research integrates diverse data sources and advanced computational methods to reveal long-term ecosystem and well-being dynamics. Collaborations span ETH Zürich, University of Zurich, and Universities of Kassel and Göttingen, bringing together expertise in landscape ecology, geography, land system science, and computational linguistics.

The doctoral researcher will focus on Work Packages 1 and 2, which involve:

• Identifying shrinking and growing rural landscapes globally using large-scale population datasets and spatial analysis
• Developing and applying spatial-temporal indicators of landscape heterogeneity and ecological processes
• Analyzing long-term landscape transformations using multi-source geospatial datasets, including satellite remote sensing
• Implementing scalable workflows for large geospatial datasets
• Collaborating with other project members, including a second doctoral student working on well-being trajectories
• Presenting research at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in ecology, geography, environmental sciences, landscape planning, geomatics, or a related field. Essential qualifications include strong knowledge of landscape ecology concepts and metrics, spatial analysis and remote sensing, programming skills (Python or R), experience with large geospatial datasets, and excellent English communication and teamwork skills. Additional assets are experience with Google Earth Engine or cloud-based geospatial platforms, spatial time-series analysis, landscape metrics or ecological modelling, and reproducible workflows/version control.

ETH Zürich offers a stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment, excellent working conditions, and opportunities for academic development, publication, and international networking. The position is for four years, with a planned start date of 1 November 2026.

To apply, submit your application online by 28 June 2026, including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts and certificates, contact details of two referees, and work examples (if available). Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For questions about the position, contact Dr. Maarten J. van Strien at [email protected] (no applications).

ETH Zürich is committed to diversity, equality of opportunity, and sustainability, fostering an inclusive environment for all staff and students. Further information about the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development is available on the ETH website.