PhD in Land Use Modeling
100%, Zurich, Fixed-Term
The Chair for Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems (PLUS) at the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Planning, ETH Zurich, is a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team addressing the pressing issues of sustainable spatial and landscape development. We are seeking a PhD candidate in land use modeling to commence in September 2026 or by mutual agreement.
Project Background
The four-year PhD position is funded by the NCCR CLIM+ program (NCCR CLIM+ - Climate Extremes and Society), supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation. NCCR CLIM+ aids Switzerland's transformation toward a climate-resilient society, collaborating with stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to the climate crisis and shaping a blueprint for impactful climate research globally. This project will be carried out within a collaborative environment among WSL, Agroscope, and ETH Zurich, leveraging extensive technical know-how and interdisciplinary expertise in hydrology, forestry, and agriculture.
Job Description
- The PhD student will develop and apply a land use model, evoland-plus, which is a pattern-based land use change model coupled with WASIM and FORCLIM, to forecast future changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services under various socio-economic and climate scenarios.
- The candidate will employ both statistical and process-based approaches to enhance the representation of hydrology, forest dynamics, and agricultural production, and assess their impacts on land use and ecosystem services. Particularly, the candidate should be interested in utilizing the model to contribute to robust narratives of self-consistent plausible futures that encompass both physical and social dimensions of extreme climate outcomes.
- The results will be translated into policy guidance reports and other documentation.
Profile
- We seek a highly motivated candidate with an MSc degree in Land System Science, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Agricultural Science, or a related discipline, possessing a deep understanding of social-ecological systems, experience in programming, and strong GIS skills.
- Ideal candidates will have experience with ecosystem services modeling, forest dynamics modeling, hydrological modeling, or species distribution modeling, and demonstrate interest in the intersections of these topics.
- Additionally, the applicant should have a good command of English (both written and spoken) and be willing to engage with and work in a large interdisciplinary project. Proficiency in German or French is advantageous as a second language.
This full-time position is funded for four years, with salary and social benefits provided according to ETH Zurich regulations.
Workplace
Join us in an environment that champions collaboration and innovation at ETH Zurich, one of the world's leading universities.
We Offer
- A stimulating interdisciplinary research environment within a dynamic and international team.
- Close collaboration with leading experts in social-ecological systems, computational text analysis, and well-being research.
- Excellent working conditions at ETH Zurich, renowned for its academic excellence.
- Opportunities for academic development, publication, and international networking.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
Aligned with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture that fosters equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a respectful working and learning environment for all staff and students. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to continuously work towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
Apply online using the form below. Please ensure to include the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- A complete academic transcript including undergraduate and graduate courses
- Copies of diploma/certificates
- Contact information of 2-3 potential referees
- A brief description of your motivation and research interests
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a premier university specializing in science and technology, celebrated for its high-caliber education, groundbreaking research, and effective transfer of knowledge to society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we build connections globally to address contemporary and future challenges together.