Postdoctoral Researcher in Tree Physiology and Growth for Forest Acclimation in a Changing Climate (Male/Female)

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 period of 2 years, with the possibility of extension. This project is developed in collaboration with the COST Action CLEANFOREST.

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a cornerstone of Europe’s forests and forestry sector, facing increasing challenges from climate change. This position offers an exciting opportunity to become part of the NorSCAPE project, which aims to unravel the physiological mechanisms underlying resilience and vulnerability across its distribution range. Your role will include researching the adaptation and acclimation potential of spruce using tree-ring analysis, stable isotope measurements, and provenance trials, which will inform forest management and policy under global change. You will collaborate closely with international partners and the ETH team, alongside 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 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.
• Curious, self-motivated, and enjoys close collaboration within a team.
• Strong communication skills in English, with a commitment to open and collaborative research.

Workplace

At the chair of forest ecology, in the group of forest growth and global change, we offer:

• A dynamic, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to international efforts shaping the future of European forests.
• Mentorship from leading scientists along with collaboration with an extensive European research network.
• Close collaboration with the WSL and the Stable Isotope Research Laboratory.
• A role with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development while actively contributing to positive societal change.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a variety of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all 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.

Apply online using the form below. 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. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, we host over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries. Our university fosters independent thinking and provides an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forging connections worldwide, we work together to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow's global challenges.