École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Just Landed
New Today
PhD Position in Forest Ecophysiology and Remote Sensing École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Full-time 100% PhD position with competitive salary and excellent working conditions. The contract is 1 year fixed-term (CDD), renewable for 3 years in total to complete the PhD.
Country
Switzerland
University
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Apply for this position
You'll sign in first, then continue in your ApplyKite dashboard.
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland is offering a full-time PhD position within the Plant Ecology Research Laboratory (PERL) focused on forest ecophysiology, remote sensing, forest ecology, and plant responses to drought. The project will study how forest canopy temperature and spectral properties reflect tree physiological responses to increasing atmospheric drought and soil water limitation.
The research combines field ecophysiology, forest drought experiments, thermal and spectral remote sensing, UAV observations, and satellite data. Initial work will be based at the Pfynwald experimental forest in Switzerland, with subsequent expansion to a network of forest sites across Europe and eventually continental-to-global satellite analysis of forest vulnerability. The work is embedded in an interdisciplinary environment spanning plant physiology, ecosystem functioning, climate extremes, and remote-sensing analysis.
Applicants should have an MSc in ecology, plant biology, environmental sciences, forestry, remote sensing, Earth observation, geography, or a related area. Strong interest in drought, heat, and climate change effects on forests is essential. Useful experience includes plant physiological measurements, field ecology, remote sensing, quantitative analysis, R, Python, GIS, image analysis, or remote-sensing software. The team welcomes candidates who are stronger in either plant ecophysiology or remote sensing and want to develop the complementary skill set.
The position offers a competitive salary, excellent working conditions, and a 1-year fixed-term contract renewable up to 4 years total to complete the PhD. The selection process is multi-stage; shortlisted candidates will later need to apply to the EPFL Doctoral School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE) to qualify for doctoral admission. Applications must be submitted through the online platform only.
To apply, submit a cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your motivation, relevant experience, and project interest, together with a single PDF CV including contact details for 2 referees. The position remains open until filled.
Funding details
Full-time 100% PhD position with competitive salary and excellent working conditions. The contract is 1 year fixed-term (CDD), renewable for 3 years in total to complete the PhD.
What's required
A MSc degree in ecology, plant biology, environmental sciences, forestry, remote sensing, Earth observation, geography, or a related field is required. Candidates should have a strong interest in plant and forest responses to drought, heat and climate change, with interest in combining field ecophysiology with remote sensing and large-scale data analysis. Experience with plant physiological measurements, field ecology and/or remote sensing is an asset. Good quantitative and statistical skills, familiarity with R, Python, GIS, image analysis or remote-sensing software, self-motivation, independence, collaboration, rigor, excellent English communication skills, and willingness to participate in field campaigns in Switzerland and other European forest sites are expected.
How to apply
Apply only through the online platform. Submit a cover letter (up to 2 pages) describing your motivation, relevant experience and interest in the project, plus a single PDF containing your CV and contact information for 2 referees. Short-listed candidates will later be asked to apply to the EPFL Doctoral School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE).
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.