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

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

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is vital for Europe's forests and forestry sector, facing significant challenges due to climate change. This position offers the exciting opportunity to contribute to the NorSCAPE project, which aims to unravel the physiological mechanisms that define resilience and vulnerability across its distribution range. In collaboration with international partners and the ETH team, your role will involve researching the adaptation and acclimation potential of spruce, employing tree-ring analysis, stable isotope measurements, and provenance trials to inform forest management and policy in the context of global change. This project will be conducted 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.
• Analyze 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 COSTAction.

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 closely collaborating with your team.
• Strong communication skills in English and a commitment to open and collaborative research are essential.

Workplace

You will work within a dynamic, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment at the ETH Zurich's chair of forest ecology, in the group focused on forest growth and global change.

We Offer

• An opportunity to contribute to international efforts that shape the future of European forests.
• Mentorship from leading scientists and collaboration with a vast European research network.
• Close collaboration with the WSL and the Stable Isotope Research Laboratory.
• A job with a meaningful impact: become part of ETH Zurich, which not only invests in your professional development but also actively contributes to positive societal change.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a wide array of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We advocate for equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to see how we maintain a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

Apply online using the form below. Please ensure to include the following documents:

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

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The review of applications will continue until the position is filled. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment. For further information, please contact Dr. Valentina Vitali at ETH Zurich (valentina.vitali@usys.ethz.ch).

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, renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we foster an environment that encourages independent thinking and inspires excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe yet forming connections worldwide, we collaborate to address contemporary global challenges.