Join ETH Swiss GeoLab as Forestry Mission Lead
ETH Zurich is excited to announce the establishment of ETH Swiss GeoLab, a new interdisciplinary unit within ETH Zurich's Space division, which will soon become a strategic center for innovative research and technology development. With a focus on Earth observation and its applications, the GeoLab aims to tackle pressing societal and economic challenges through advanced data analysis and AI-driven solutions.
Located at the D4 Business Village in Root, near Lucerne, ETH Swiss GeoLab operates at the intersection of research, technology, and practical application. In its initial phase, the GeoLab will concentrate on high-impact application areas where Earth observation, geodata, and AI-based analytics can provide significant value to Switzerland. Key focus areas include issues related to forest health, climate resilience, biodiversity, carbon, timber, and other critical ecosystem services.
Your Role as Forestry Mission Lead
As the Forestry Mission Lead, you will spearhead the GeoLab Forestry Mission, identifying high-impact challenges within Swiss forestry by engaging directly with stakeholders and utilizing domain-relevant data. Your leadership will be essential in defining mission outcomes, translating practitioner and policy needs into actionable research and product goals, and guiding solutions through field validation and operational testing.
You will report to the Managing Director of ETH Swiss GeoLab and collaborate closely with various GeoLab teams, external partners, and stakeholders. As a leader, you will have the authority to prioritize, redirect, and manage mission activities within an established governance framework.
Key Responsibilities
- Define a coherent Forestry Mission addressing major opportunities in forest health, resilience, sustainable management, and biodiversity.
- Identify operational gaps where ETH Swiss GeoLab can offer significant value to Swiss forestry and policy.
- Engage with stakeholders including forest owners, managers, and public authorities.
- Translate forestry challenges into clear research and technical requirements.
- Establish measurable mission outcomes, roadmaps, and success criteria aligned with Swiss forestry needs.
- Manage the mission budget, track progress, and provide transparent reporting to stakeholders.
- Collaborate with GeoLab’s Geo-Intelligence team and external partners to drive project pilots and testing.
- Communicate mission progress and lessons learned through events, workshops, and conferences.
- Support student and researcher training and knowledge transfer into forestry practices.
Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD degree (preferred) in forestry, environmental sciences, geoinformatics, or related fields.
- Several years of experience in applied research or operational implementation in forest management.
- Strong knowledge of forestry ecosystems and the information needs of practitioners.
- Understanding of Earth observation and geospatial data applications in forestry.
- Proven capability in translating operational challenges into actionable initiatives.
- Proficient project and budget management skills, including transparent reporting.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, fluency in English and German; French is a plus.
What We Offer
- The rare opportunity to contribute to the development of ETH Swiss GeoLab from its inception.
- A mission-driven leadership role with significant impact on Swiss forestry.
- The chance to address critical forest management and environmental challenges with the potential for international influence.
- A dynamic and interdisciplinary work environment within one of the world’s leading technical universities.
- A collaborative workspace in Root/Lucerne, part of an active innovation ecosystem.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For more information about ETH Swiss GeoLab, please visit our website. For any inquiries regarding the position, reach out to Dr. Felix Seidel, Managing Director of ETH Swiss GeoLab, at felix.seidel@eaps.ethz.ch.
We look forward to receiving your application!