Postdoctoral Positions in Social Science for Digital Urban Planning (DISCLOSE Project) Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL in Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, a member of the ETH Domain, is offering two postdoctoral positions for social scientists specializing in digital urban planning. The positions are part of the DISCLOSE project, which is funded by an Advanced Grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation. WSL is renowned for its research on sustainable environmental use and natural hazard management, with the Land Change Science unit focusing on landscape change patterns, causes, and processes.

Within the DISCLOSE project, the Land-Use Systems research group seeks to understand how digitalization is transforming spatial planning, affecting values such as equity, transparency, and efficiency. The project aims to develop a critically grounded theoretical model of how technologies, data, and actors reshape spatial planning practices. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will collaborate with the DISCLOSE team, conducting case study research on socio-technical systems of digital planning in selected cities across Europe and beyond. Your work will involve qualitative social science methods, including interviews, document analysis, and focus groups, contributing to the synthesis and validation of the project's theoretical model.

These positions offer the opportunity to participate in an internationally visible research initiative at the intersection of digitalization, urban planning, and critical social science. You will join a multidisciplinary team and engage in theory development within an international research environment. WSL actively promotes diversity, gender equality, and an inclusive workplace.

Applicants must hold a PhD in spatial planning, urban studies, STS, geography, or a related field. Essential qualifications include strong skills in qualitative social science methods, case study analysis, critical thinking, and experience studying digitalization effects. Professional experience in planning practice and knowledge of European spatial planning are advantageous. A good publication record and a strong interest in digitalization of planning are expected. Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of German is beneficial.

The positions are funded for two years, with 80-100% employment, and salary and benefits are provided according to WSL and ETH Domain standards. Applications should be submitted via the WSL application portal; email applications will not be considered. Evaluation of applications will begin at the end of April 2026 and continue until the positions are filled. For further information, contact Prof. h.c. Dr. Anna Hersperger at [email protected].

WSL is located at Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland. For more details and to apply, visit the application link provided.