Postdoctoral Position in Biome Biogeography (70-100%) Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL in Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, part of the ETH Domain, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Biome Biogeography (70-100%). The position is based in the Dynamic Macroecology research group led by Dr. Niklaus E. Zimmermann and is funded for 18 months (with possible extension) through an SNSF (ERC) Advanced Grant project. The project, titled 'Predicting hotspots of climate change impacts on ecosystems from an eco-evolutionary biome framework,' aims to map global biomes, project global change impacts, and test a novel eco-evolutionary biome theory.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a key role in testing important aspects of biome biogeography theory. Your responsibilities include generating and analyzing outputs from machine learning models, process-based simulations, and macroevolutionary approaches. You will conduct statistical hypothesis testing, take responsibility for testing specific key aspects of the theory, and support other team members with spatial products and analytical protocols. The position offers the opportunity to synthesize biome biogeography theory across several sub-projects and collaborate with a diverse team of PhD and postdoctoral researchers.

Applicants must hold a PhD in ecology or a related field and possess expert knowledge in macroecology, functional ecology, high-volume data analysis, spatial ecology/modelling, and coding with R, Python, and GIT. Additional assets include expertise in remote sensing, cluster computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Strong independent research skills, excellent English proficiency, and a collaborative, team-oriented attitude are essential.

WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion, actively promoting gender equality and fostering an open, inclusive work environment. The position is located at Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland. Salary and benefits are provided according to WSL/ETH Domain guidelines.

Applications must be submitted via the WSL online application portal. Evaluation of applications begins May 11th, 2026, and the position remains open until filled. For further information, contact Dr. Niklaus E. Zimmermann at [email protected].