PhD in Land Use Modeling ETH Zürich in Switzerland

The Chair for Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems (PLUS) at the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Planning, ETH Zürich, invites applications for a PhD position in land use modeling. This interdisciplinary research team addresses challenges in sustainable spatial and landscape development, offering a stimulating environment for academic growth and collaboration.

The 4-year PhD position is funded by the NCCR CLIM+ program, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation. NCCR CLIM+ aims to advance Switzerland's transformation towards a climate-resilient society, tackling unexplored solution spaces to the climate crisis and developing actionable research blueprints. The project is a collaboration between WSL, Agroscope, and ETH Zürich, providing expertise in hydrology, forestry, and agriculture.

The PhD student will further develop and apply the evoland-plus land use model, which integrates pattern-based land use change modeling with WASIM and FORCLIM, to forecast future changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services under various socio-economic and climate scenarios. The research will employ both statistical and process-based approaches to better represent hydrology, forest dynamics, and agricultural production, and their effects on land use and ecosystem services. The candidate will contribute to robust storylines of plausible futures, encompassing both physical and social dimensions of extreme climate outcomes. Results will be transformed into policy guidance reports and other documentation for stakeholders.

Applicants should have a MSc degree in Land System Science, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Agricultural Science, or a related discipline, with a deep understanding of social-ecological systems. Experience in programming and strong GIS skills are essential. Ideal candidates will have experience in ecosystem services modeling, forest dynamic modeling, hydrological modeling, or species distribution modeling, and an interest in working at the interfaces between these topics. Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required; knowledge of German or French is advantageous. The position is full-time and funded for four years, with salary and social benefits provided according to ETH Zurich rules.

ETH Zürich offers excellent working conditions, opportunities for academic development, publication, and international networking. The university values diversity, sustainability, and an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing a respectful environment for all staff and students.

Applications are due by June 30th, 2026. Interviews are planned online on July 10th and at ETH Zürich during the week of July 13th. To apply, submit your application online via the ETH Zurich portal, including your CV, academic transcript, diploma/certificates, contact information for 2-3 referees, and a short description of your motivation and research interests. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For urgent matters, contact Professor Adrienne Grêt-Regamey at [email protected].

ETH Zürich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and global impact. Join a dynamic team and contribute to actionable climate research and sustainable landscape development.