Postdoc in Tree Physiology and Growth for Forest Acclimation in a Changing Climate

Postdoc in Tree Physiology and Growth for Forest Acclimation in a Changing Climate

Position in the NorSCAPE Project: Norway Spruce in a Changing Climate: Adaptation, Acclimation, and Physiological Responses for Resilient Forests in Europe for 2 years, with the possibility of extension. This project is in collaboration with the COST Action CLEANFOREST.

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a cornerstone of Europe's forests and forestry sector, facing increasing challenges due to climate change. This position offers an exciting opportunity to join the NorSCAPE project, which aims to disentangle the physiological mechanisms underpinning resilience and vulnerability across its distribution range. In collaboration with international partners and the ETH team, your role in this project will involve research on the adaptation and acclimation potential of spruce, utilizing tree-ring analysis, stable isotope measurements across forests, and provenance trials to inform forest management and policy under global change. This project will be executed in close collaboration with the WSL and the Stable Isotope Research Laboratory in Birmensdorf.

Job Description

• Coordinate field sampling and experimental activities across international networks.
• Lead dendrochronological and stable isotope analyses to assess growth, water-use efficiency, and physiological acclimation in Norway spruce.
• Analyse intra-annual growth and isotopic signals in relation to drought and environmental gradients.
• Collaborate with European partners to support the integration of NorSCAPE in ongoing projects (e.g., OptFOREST network).
• Prepare innovative manuscripts and present results at international conferences.
• Support the mentoring and training of students at ETH.
• Contribute to activities associated with the COST Action.

Profile

• PhD in forest ecology, plant physiology, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Strong background in dendrochronology, stable isotope analysis, or ecophysiology.
• Demonstrated experience with ecological datasets, statistical analysis, and/or provenance trial experiments.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaborative skills within international, multidisciplinary networks.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork across Europe.
• You are curious, self-motivated, and enjoy collaborating closely with your team.
• Strong communication skills in English and a commitment to open and collaborative research are essential.

Workplace

The position is based in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at ETH Zurich, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to international efforts shaping the future of European forests.

What We Offer

• A dynamic, supportive, and interdisciplinary research atmosphere.
• Mentorship from leading scientists and collaboration with an extensive European research network.
• Close cooperation with the WSL and the Stable Isotope Research Laboratory.
• Your role will have a meaningful impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, contributing positively to society.
• Numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application through the form below. Please include the following documents:

• A motivation letter outlining your fit for the position and interest in the project.
• Your Curriculum Vitae.
• List of publications.
• Contact information for two referees.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Start Date: February 2026, or upon agreement.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.