PhD Position in Forest Ecology and Silviculture / PhD Position in Forest Ecology and Silviculture

PhD Position in Forest Ecology and Silviculture

Location: Zurich, fixed-term, 100%

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 PhD candidate will be based in the Silviculture Group at ETH (Dr. Mathieu Lévesque) and will work closely with Dr. Julia Schwarz at WSL, splitting working time between both institutions.

Project Background

European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a key tree species in Swiss forests, increasingly threatened by drought due to climate change. This collaborative project between ETH and WSL aims to investigate the adaptive potential of natural beech regeneration in forests affected by drought. The research will assess 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 findings will contribute essential knowledge for developing adaptive silvicultural strategies aimed at sustaining ecosystem services in beech-dominated forests.

Job Description

You will conduct field research and analyses in beech forests across Switzerland, focusing on the following:

• Assessing regeneration dynamics, vitality, and species composition in beech stands.
• Analyzing the growth and biomass allocation of young beech trees before and after drought events.
• Conducting physiological measurements to evaluate drought resilience and water-use strategies.

You will collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team at ETH Zürich and WSL, engaging with forestry practitioners as well as federal and cantonal authorities. Your role will include performing statistical analyses, presenting results at conferences, and publishing findings in scientific journals. Additionally, the doctoral candidate is expected to contribute to group responsibilities such as teaching, outreach, and lab activities at both ETH and WSL.

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.
• Experience in ecological data analysis and statistical programming (R or Python).
• Motivation to conduct interdisciplinary, 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.

Workplace

You will join a vibrant international and interdisciplinary work environment at two prestigious research institutes.

We Offer

• An inspiring work environment in world-leading research institutes.
• Participatory opportunities in a significant project on forest adaptation to climate change.
• Collaborative engagements with forestry practitioners and governmental forestry offices.
• Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences.
• A supportive atmosphere for your scientific career development.
• Participation in a dynamic research team fostering collaboration and mutual learning.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities at WSL and ETH.
• Training opportunities for professional growth.

We Value Diversity

At ETH Zurich, we believe in fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website for more on how we maintain a fair and open environment that supports everyone’s growth and success.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Please ensure your application includes the following documents:

• A letter of motivation (max. two pages)
• Detailed CV
• List of publications (if available)
• Copy of Master Diploma
• Bachelor's and Master's degree transcripts
• Names and contact details of two references

Note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The position will remain open until filled. For inquiries regarding the position, please reach out to Dr. Julia Schwarz (julia.schwarz@wsl.ch) or Dr. Mathieu Lévesque (mathieu.levesque@usys.ethz.ch).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich stands as one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education and cutting-edge research, we strive to transfer new knowledge into society effectively. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters an environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we connect globally to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.