PhD Candidate in Forest Ecology and Silviculture / PhD Candidate in Forest Ecology and Silviculture

PhD Position in Forest Ecology and Silviculture

Location: Zurich, 100%, fixed-term

Project Background

The Silviculture Group at ETH Zürich and the Stand Dynamics and Silviculture Group at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to study the short-term adaptation of beech regeneration to climate change. The candidate will be based in the Silviculture Group at ETH (under the supervision of Dr. Mathieu Lévesque) and will collaborate closely with Dr. Julia Schwarz at WSL, splitting work time between both institutions.

European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a key tree species in Swiss forests, now increasingly threatened by drought due to climate change. This collaborative project aims to investigate the adaptive potential of natural beech regeneration in beech-dominated forests impacted by drought. The study will explore whether young beech trees, established after the extreme drought of 2018, are better adapted to drought stress and how salvage logging influences this adaptation. The knowledge gained will be vital for developing adaptive silvicultural strategies to sustain ecosystem services in beech-dominated forests.

Job Description

You will conduct field research and analyses in beech forests across Switzerland to:

• Assess regeneration dynamics, vitality, and species composition in beech stands.
• Analyze growth and biomass allocation of young beech trees before and after drought.
• Conduct physiological measurements to evaluate drought resilience and water-use strategies.

Collaboration will be key as you will work closely with an interdisciplinary team at ETH Zürich and WSL. You will engage with forestry practitioners, as well as federal and cantonal authorities, perform statistical analysis, present findings at conferences, and publish in scientific journals and articles aimed at practitioners. Additionally, you will contribute to group responsibilities such as teaching, outreach, and lab activities at both institutions.

Profile

• MSc degree in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Plant Physiology, or related fields.
• Strong interest in climate adaptation of forests, tree regeneration, and tree physiology.
• Willingness to travel and undertake extended fieldwork for data collection.
• Driving license required.
• Experience in ecological data analysis and statistical programming (R or Python).
• Motivation for interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).
• Knowledge of a Swiss national language (German and/or French) is an asset.

We Offer

• An inspiring, international, and interdisciplinary work environment in two world-leading research institutes.
• The opportunity to participate in a highly relevant project on forest adaptation to climate change.
• Chances to collaborate with forestry practitioners and federal and cantonal forestry offices.
• Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences.
• A supportive environment for developing your scientific career.
• Participation in a dynamic research team fostering collaboration and mutual learning.
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure at WSL and ETH.
• Training opportunities.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn more about our initiatives.

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About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is a world-leading university specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, we are home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. ETH promotes independent thinking and provides an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we strive to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.