PostDoc in Grassland Ecology 100% (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 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology research unit, investigates the diversity of life in its various forms, from genetic to the diversity of species and ecosystems as well as their interactions. For 2 years, starting in August 1, 2026, the Community Ecology research group is looking for a

This position offers an exciting opportunity to participate in an international research project on “With or without livestock – how to sustain and preserve biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and services of grasslands” financed through the Swiss National Science Foundation. The project is in collaboration with scientists in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil and has the goal to assess how grassland ecosystems respond to the long-term removal of livestock.

In collaboration with international partners, your role in this project will be to explore how livestock removal affects ecosystem functions and services in the Rio de la Plata grasslands that span a 1200 km long gradient. Species richness and abundance data of grasses, invertebrates and microbes, as well as information of different ecosystem properties and functions have already been collected. In collaboration with the entire team and the landowners you will define ecosystem functions and services and assess how they are affected by the land-use change. Your will analyze the data, prepare manuscripts, and publish them in peer-reviewed scientific journals. You will also present the research outputs at local and international conferences and engage with stakeholders.

You hold a PhD in biology or environmental sciences, with a strong background in grassland ecology, rangeland ecology or ecology. You have experience in working with ecosystem functions and services and data analyses (including advanced statistical modelling) and wish to develop your knowledge and experience in that field. Fluency in English (both oral and writing), ability to work jointly with junior team members, excellent communication skills and a collaborative to work in a large team of researchers are also key to success in this role. Preferably you are speaking Spanish at an advanced level. Your workplace will be in Switzerland.

Please send your complete application to Jeanine Gehring, Human Resources WSL, by uploading the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered. PD Dr. Anita C. Risch (anita.risch@wsl.ch), 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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