"PhD student in Soil Biogeochemistry (f/m/d)"

The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the ETH Domain. Approximately 600 people work on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards.

The research unit Forest and Soil Ecology assess the impact of climate change and management on forests and their soils. The Soil Biogeochemistry group at the Birmensdorf site is looking for a candidate to start in January 2026 as a PhD student in Soil Biogeochemistry (f/m/d).

You will be working within the "FutureForests Doctoral Network", an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) initiative, which aims to train the next generation of scientists in assessing the impacts of global change on European forests utilizing a unique network of European flagship field forest facilities. Based at WSL Birmensdorf, you will investigate the effects of drought on organic matter turnover and carbon storage in the soil in the VPDrought experiment (Valais, Switzerland). The research will involve measuring soil microbial communities, as well as carbon and nitrogen pools and fluxes, using stable isotope and radiocarbon techniques. Complementary analysis will be conducted at selected manipulation facilities in Estonia (University of Tartu), Austria (University of Innsbruck) and Germany (Technical University of Munich) to compare the impacts of recurrent droughts on soil processes under global change.

You hold a master’s degree in environmental science, soil science, microbiology, or a related discipline. You demonstrate strong communication skills, self-motivation, an aptitude for field research, and a commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary work. Good written and spoken English skills are required. Moreover, you should comply with the MSCA mobility rules: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organization for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your recruitment date (January 2026).

Please send your complete application to Beatrice Lamprecht, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. Dr. Frank Hagedorn, phone +41 (0)44 739 24 63, will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.

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